Global Head of Total Rewards

Edelman; New York (NY); On-site; USD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401K plan

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Travel assistance

Job summary

A global public relations firm is looking for a Global Head of Total Rewards to lead its strategic design and execution of compensation and benefits programs. This senior leadership role focuses on fostering an equitable workplace and will require collaboration with C-level executives. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years in global Total Rewards and strong data analytical skills, along with overseeing global strategies and compliance initiatives. This position offers competitive compensation, reflecting the value placed on its greatest asset—its people.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing equitable rewards programs in complex environments.
• Ability to engage and influence C-level audiences.
• Strong expertise in data-backed Total Rewards planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead global Total Rewards strategy development.
• Oversee executive compensation governance.
• Guide regional Total Rewards leaders to align with global strategy.
• Manage compensation planning cycles and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive performance and growth.

Skills

Strategic advisory skills

Data analysis and modeling

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Fluency in HRIS platforms

Executive presence

Compliance and regulatory knowledge

Education

15+ years in Total Rewards, compensation, and benefits

Tools

Workday

Job description

Join to apply for the Global Head of Total Rewards role at Edelman

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions.

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Edelman is looking for a Global Head of Total Rewards to lead the strategic design and execution of our global compensation, benefits, mobility, and total rewards philosophy.

This senior leadership role will shape how we recognize, reward, and retain our people — Edelman’s greatest asset. You’ll partner closely with the Chief People Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and senior executives across our global network to ensure our Total Rewards programs are fair, future‑ready, and reflective of both market dynamics and our organizational values.

This is an ideal role for a data‑driven, people‑first leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about building inclusive and equitable programs that drive business results.

What You’ll Do

• Design and lead Edelman’s global Total Rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, mobility, and rewards programs aligned to our evolving workforce.
• Oversee executive compensation strategy and governance, in close partnership with the CPO, CFO, and Executive Committee.
• Develop and evolve our compensation philosophy and pay frameworks to reflect market trends, promote equity, and support transparency initiatives.
• Lead the design and implementation of global and region‑specific benefit programs, including integration of acquisitions, policy harmonization, and vendor partnerships.
• Guide and support regional Total Rewards leaders, ensuring programs reflect market needs while aligning with Edelman’s global strategy.
• Oversee annual compensation planning cycles, including modeling, statistical analysis, equitable distribution of rewards, and global communication frameworks.
• Advance pay equity, compliance, and reporting, partnering across Finance, Legal, and People teams to deliver timely and accurate analyses.
• Build and maintain Edelman’s global job banding and job family structure, ensuring consistency and transparency across levels and geographies.
• Evaluate and respond to emerging market trends, hot job categories, and business needs by adapting rewards strategies and policies.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on attracting and retaining top talent through data‑backed Total Rewards planning and market insights.
• Manage third‑party vendors and global compensation survey participation, ensuring effective benchmarking and external competitiveness.
• Collaborate across People Centers of Excellence to embed inclusion, performance, and growth into all aspects of the Total Rewards lifecycle.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience in global Total Rewards, compensation, and benefits, including executive compensation and regulatory compliance.
• Deep expertise in designing and executing equitable rewards programs in complex, matrixed environments.
• Strong strategic advisory skills and executive presence, with the ability to engage, influence, and present to C‑level audiences.
• Proven experience leading pay transparency, equity, and benchmarking initiatives across diverse markets.
• Excellent data analysis and modeling capabilities, with fluency in HRIS platforms such as Workday, and compensation tools.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, working collaboratively with Finance, Legal, HR, and leadership teams.
• High ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Why Join Edelman

At Edelman, our people are the heart of our business. As we continue to grow and evolve globally, the way we recognize and reward our talent is central to our success. In this role, you’ll be part of a purpose‑driven People Leadership Team focused on shaping the future of work — with equity, trust, and humanity at its core.

Salary

$260,000-360,000. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue‑based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region‑specific benefits.

Benefits

DJEH offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing.

DJEH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the employment process, please let us know.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Human Resources

Industries

Public Relations and Communications Services