[Hiring] Senior Total Rewards Lead @Rocky Mountain Institute

Role Description

RMI is seeking a Total Rewards Senior Lead to own and lead its compensation, benefits, and people analytics function. Reporting to the Director of Talent & People Operations, you will own:

• Compensation strategy and administration
• Benefits program design and oversight
• People analytics infrastructure
• LOA policy for a global workforce

This is the senior Total Rewards presence at RMI. The function is being built, and this person will serve as its architect; an experienced individual contributor with full functional accountability for:

• Compensation
• Benefits
• LOA policy
• People analytics

Responsibilities

• Compensation Strategy & Administration
  • Own, lead, and evolve RMI’s global compensation strategy, including salary structure design, pay equity framework, job leveling, and the annual compensation cycle.
  • Maintain and evolve compensation benchmarking using market data (e.g., Radford, Mercer, Birches) to keep RMI competitive globally.
  • Lead new-hire and promotion benchmarking and the annual pay-equity review.
  • Partner with People Partners and hiring managers on offer recommendations and internal equity reviews.
  • Partner with People Operations on payroll accuracy and timing; serve as the Total Rewards SME on compensation-related payroll questions.
• Benefits Strategy & Program Design
  • Own and lead benefits program strategy and design for US and global programs (health, dental, vision, retirement/403b, wellness, PTO, supplemental).
  • Lead annual benefits plan assessment and plan design decisions — evaluating coverage, competitiveness, and global benefits structure.
  • Advise on renewals in partnership with People Operations.
  • Own and lead LOA policy design and oversight across all leave programs (FMLA, parental, disability, accommodations, sabbatical).
  • Serve as policy SME for complex or escalated situations.
• People Analytics
  • Own and lead compensation and benefits analytics, including pay equity reporting, salary trend analysis, benefits utilization data, and compensation benchmarking.
  • Translate data into actionable insights and leadership presentations.
  • Partner with Finance on headcount modeling and workforce-planning scenarios.
• Functional Leadership & Partnership
  • Own and lead the Total Rewards function end to end — setting strategy, standards, and priorities across compensation, benefits, LOA policy, and people analytics.
  • Drive outcomes through cross-functional partnership rather than direct authority.
  • Partner with the Sr. Manager, Talent & Performance on analytics deliverables that support workforce planning, talent review, and performance management decision-making.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards, Compensation, or Benefits.
• Experience supporting a global workforce across multiple geographies and employment types (EOR, direct hire, contractors).
• Strong analytical skills; proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets and HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
• Knowledge of US benefits compliance (ERISA, HIPAA, ACA) and familiarity with international benefits structures.
• Experience with FMLA and state leave policy; comfort with LOA frameworks and third-party administrator management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex compensation and benefits information to all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to own a function independently and drive outcomes through influence rather than direct authority.
• Experience building or maintaining compensation and benefits analytics.
• Experience owning and leading compensation survey participation (Radford, Mercer, Birches, or comparable).
• Strong interpersonal awareness, collaboration, and coaching skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and build relationships at all levels in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification is strongly preferred.
• Experience with compensation survey platforms — Radford, Mercer, Birches, or comparable.
• Experience with Workday compensation and benefits modules, including system configuration and reporting.
• Experience owning and conducting pay equity analyses.
• Experience with international compensation structures.
• Experience with benefits open enrollment including plan design and employee communications.
• Experience with energy, climate, or mission-driven organizations.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403b retirement match with immediate vesting
• Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability
• Optional voluntary life, AD&D, and accident plans
• Health savings or flexible spending accounts
• Fertility and hormonal health support
• Mental health and wellness support
• Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
• Work from home and home technology allowances
• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)
• Potential for bonuses and merit increases
• Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.)
• Hybrid / remote work options
• Team retreats and geographic meetups
• Rewards and recognition programs