Executive Compensation Director

The Strategic Organizing Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 102,569 - 117,042; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer‑paid health coverage

12% salary contribution to 401K after six months

12 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

The Strategic Organizing Center is hiring an Executive Compensation Director in Washington, DC. This role involves leading research on executive compensation, corporate governance, and financial analysis to advocate for shareholder interests.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in related fields, strong analytical skills and a commitment to social justice. Compensation ranges from $102,569 to $117,042 annually, with extensive benefits including health coverage and retirement savings.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years in executive compensation, finance, corporate governance, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience operating at an advanced or lead analyst level.
• Deep expertise in executive compensation, corporate governance, and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-depth analysis of executive compensation programs.
• Draft clear, compelling research reports and public-facing materials.
• Collaborate with pension fund trustees and institutional shareholders.

Skills

Attention to Detail and Accuracy

Project Management

Self‑Management

Adaptability

Collaborative

Communications

Corporate Governance Knowledge

Education

BA or BS in economics, business, finance, labor relations, or related fields

Tools

Excel

CapIQ or similar

Power BI

Job description

WHO WE ARE And WHAT WE DO

The SOC is a mission-focused center that develops strategies and implements tactics on transformational campaigns that confront corporate power. We partner with workers, allies and our affiliates — the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communication Workers of America (CWA), and the United Farmworkers of America (UFW) — whose 3 million members are united in building a strong, vibrant labor movement through organizing workers hungry for change. Through cutting‑edge research and innovative campaigns, the SOC advocates for workers, consumers and other constituencies harmed by concentrated corporate power across a wide range of industries, including food service, transportation and logistics, communications, healthcare, manufacturing and more.

The Opportunity

The SOC Investment Group is the shareholder advocacy arm of the Strategic Organizing Center. The Executive Compensation Director serves as the SOC Investment Group’s lead expert on executive compensation, corporate governance, and financial analysis. This role drives high‑impact research and strategic insights that inform shareholder advocacy, corporate engagement, and broader capital market campaigns. As a senior contributor, the Director is responsible for setting the analytical standard for the team on executive pay related matters—producing rigorous, defensible analyses and translating complex financial data into clear strategies that advance worker‑centered corporate accountability. This role also represents the SOC Investment Group externally with investors, corporate stakeholders, and policymakers, and plays a key role in shaping organizational thought leadership in executive compensation and governance.

The Work

Research and Analysis (45%)

• Lead in‑depth analysis of executive compensation programs at publicly traded companies, including pay‑for‑performance alignment, incentive structures, and governance risks.
• Evaluate compensation practices relative to industry peers and assess the impact of changes to pay programs.
• Conduct advanced financial, corporate governance, and capital markets analysis using filings, databases, and proprietary tools.
• Analyze proposed corporate transactions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, restructurings) and their implications for shareholders and workers.
• Identify and monitor trends and emerging risks in executive compensation, governance practices, and financial markets to inform strategy.

Communications and Content Development (25%)

• Draft clear, compelling research reports, memos, briefing documents, comment letters, and public‑facing materials.
• Translate complex financial and compensation data into accessible insights for internal and external audiences.
• Support development of policy positions and thought leadership on executive compensation and corporate governance.
• Contribute to press statements, reports, and other communications aligned with SOC Investment Group priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation (20%)

• Collaborate with pension fund trustees and staff, institutional shareholders, and the broader investment community.
• Represent the team in internal and external forums, including shareholder meetings, Congressional hearings, and industry conferences.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the corporate governance and investment space.

Administrative and Support Functions (10%)

• Perform additional duties as required to support the team’s operations.
• Assist with project management and coordination of multiple initiatives.
• Support team with various research and administrative tasks.

Who We Are Looking For

Applicants should also possess the following qualifications:

• Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Thorough when performing work and conscientious about attention to detail.
• Project Management: Ability to effectively manage a workload with competing priorities and meet deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
• Self‑Management: Works independently and takes initiative. Able to critically evaluate their own work before submitting projects to their supervisor.
• Adaptability: Ability to navigate ever evolving regulatory requirements and standards and keep up to date with the latest developments.
• Collaborative: Ability to work with members of the IG staff on a variety of tasks, including occasional administrative work; responds positively to instructions and feedback.
• Communications: Ability to communicate our strategies externally with companies and other investors, as well as non‑investor stakeholders, as well as internally with team members regarding questions or concerns that may arise.
• Corporate Governance Knowledge: Demonstrates understanding of executive compensation practices and governance frameworks to support accountability efforts.

Minimum Required Education And Experience

• BA or BS required in economics, business, finance, labor relations, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5+ years in executive compensation, finance, corporate governance, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience operating at an advanced or lead analyst level.
• Deep expertise in executive compensation, corporate governance, and financial analysis.
• Exceptional analytical and research skills, with the ability to independently lead complex analyses.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and technically sound materials.
• Ability to present complex financial and governance issues to both investor and non‑investor audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility across sectors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in financial tools and platforms (Excel required; CapIQ or similar strongly preferred).
• A strong commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.

Desired

• Experience in labor, public interest, or governmental organizations, or interest in shareholder advocacy, strongly preferred.
• Experience in advocacy work in the financial sector.
• Familiarity with sustainable investment principles and corporate governance best practices.
• Power BI or other data visualization software experience.
• Knowledge of federal securities regulations and corporate governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial, legal, and investor research platforms, including Capital IQ, Diligent, ISS Voting Analytics, Intelligize, PACER, and Lexus Nexus.
• Working knowledge of SharePoint and Power BI.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

• Under current policy, SOC employees spend at least two days per week in‑office at our Washington, DC office location and may work remotely otherwise.
• Willingness to travel, occasionally work long and irregular hours for conferences and to attend corporate annual meetings, particularly in the Spring and Fall.
• The SOC has a mandatory COVID vaccine policy and safety protocols in both our office locations, including a required daily health screening survey for in‑office days.

What We Offer

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation

Salary is calculated based on years of experience, with annual increases according to an established salary scale. The salary range for this position is $102,569 – $117,042. This is a full‑time exempt position.

Benefits

The SOC is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes the well‑being and development of our employees.

• Health Insurance: Enjoy 100% employer‑paid health coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and children.
• Retirement Savings: After six months of employment, benefit from a generous 12% salary contribution to your 401K retirement plan.
• Life and Disability Insurance: We fully cover premiums for life insurance as well as short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Additional Perks: Receive cell phone provision, commuter benefits, and access to flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help manage your expenses.
• Paid Time Off: Accrue 13 days of sick leave, enjoy 14 paid holidays, and take advantage of 12 days of paid vacation (which increases with seniority up to 25 days per year). You’ll also receive 3 personal days and 4 days of compensatory time.
• Parental Leave: Benefit from 12 weeks of paid parental leave to support your growing family.
• Professional Development: We are committed to your growth, providing a professional development budget each year for every staff member to enhance skills and career advancement.

Join us in a supportive environment where your health, well‑being, and professional growth are our top priorities!

Women and people of color are strongly urged to apply. The Strategic Organizing Center does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in employment and application for employment.