Director, Total Rewards

Socket.dev; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 251,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurix Therapeutics in Brisbane, CA is seeking a Director of Total Rewards to lead the strategy, design, and execution of compensation and benefits programs. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will shape and scale total rewards infrastructure for a biotech company focused on targeted protein degradation therapies.

You will own base pay, incentives, equity and executive programs, run annual compensation cycles, benchmark roles, ensure pay equity and compliance, and partner across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
• 8–10+ years in compensation and benefits with 3–5 years in total rewards leadership.
• Biotech/pharma or life sciences experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs/NSOs, ESPP) in biotech.
• Strong analytical, judgment, and discretion with sensitive data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across levels including Board.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, implementation, and administration of base pay, incentive, equity, and executive compensation programs.
• Lead annual compensation cycles, including merit increases, bonus funding/payout, and equity refresh grants.
• Conduct market benchmarking and job leveling to ensure competitive, equitable pay practices.
• Monitor pay equity analyses and remediation efforts across the organization.
• Stay current on compensation regulations and ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
• Design and manage a competitive benefits portfolio, including health, retirement, leave policies, and wellness offerings.
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution with employee communication and education.

Skills

Equity compensation structures

Analytical skills

Judgment and discretion

Communication & stakeholder management

Program development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or relevant certification (CCP, CBP, CEBS)

Job description

Director, Total Rewards

Position Description

Nurix is seeking a Director, Total Rewards to lead the strategy, design, and execution of our compensation and benefits programs. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, with the opportunity to shape and scale total rewards infrastructure. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in compensation and benefits with strong business acumen and sound judgment.

The Opportunity

Compensation Strategy & Programs

• Own the design, implementation, and administration of Nurix's base pay, incentive compensation, equity, and executive compensation programs
• Partner with the CHRO to lead annual compensation cycles, including merit increases, bonus funding and payout, and equity refresh grants
• Conduct and manage market benchmarking and job leveling to ensure competitive, equitable pay practices across the organization
• Monitor pay equity across the organization and lead proactive pay equity analyses and remediation
• Stay current on evolving compensation regulations (e.g., pay transparency, pay equity laws) and ensure company practices remain compliant across jurisdictions

Benefits Strategy & Programs

• Design and manage a competitive, cost-effective benefits portfolio, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs (401(k)), leave policies, and wellness offerings
• Own vendor and broker relationships, lead renewal negotiations, and evaluate new offerings to ensure programs remain market-competitive and fiscally responsible
• Ensure benefits programs are compliant with ERISA, ACA, ADA, FMLA, COBRA, and other applicable federal and state regulations
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, including employee communication and education strategies

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as the subject-matter expert (SME) and trusted advisor to the CHRO, Head of Talent, HRBPs, and people managers on compensation and benefits matters
• Partner closely with Finance on compensation budgeting, forecasting, and equity/stock plan expense modeling
• Partner with Legal on equity plan administration, 409A matters, and regulatory compliance
• Develop and deliver clear, effective communications and training to help managers and employees understand total rewards programs
• In partnership with Head of HR Operations, evaluate and implement HRIS/compensation tools and systems to improve efficiency, data integrity, and reporting capabilities

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification (CCP, CBP, CEBS) preferred
• 8-10+ years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits, including at least 3-5 years in a total rewards leadership role
• Prior experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences companies strongly preferred; experience in a clinical-stage or newly commercial company is a plus
• Deep knowledge of equity compensation structures (RSUs, ISOs/NSOs, ESPP) common in biotech
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear insights and recommendations
• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling highly sensitive compensation and personnel data
• Proven ability to build programs and processes in a growing, fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization, including the Board

Salary Range: $250,800 - $278,800 annually

The posted range applies to roles based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reflects local market conditions. Where an offer lands within that range depends on the candidate's relevant experience, technical expertise, and how their background aligns with the role's requirements.

Location: Onsite - Brisbane, CA

Fit with Nurix Culture and Values

• Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
• Solutions and results-oriented focus
• Hands-on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view

About Nurix Therapeutics

Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI-integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix' dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader-based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine's next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.