Description

APCO Worldwide seeks a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader to serve as our Director, Global Total Rewards. This leader will design, implement and manage APCOs global Total Rewards strategy – with a primary focus on compensation, recognition, and other programs that define employee experience – across our 30 global locations.

In this role, you will work closely with the global talent leadership team and business leaders and to shape programs that enable APCO to attract, reward, and retain top talent while aligning with our mission, culture, and business objectives. You will oversee competitive, equitable, and compliant compensation programs, develop innovative recognition and perks offerings, and define a cohesive Total Rewards philosophy that reflects the needs of our diverse global workforce.

Reporting to the Global Chief Talent Officer and serving as a member of the Global Talent Leadership Team, you will be a strategic partner to business and HR leaders worldwide, delivering data-driven solutions that foster high performance and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compensation Strategy & Governance
  • Develop and lead APCO’s global compensation philosophy, strategies, and frameworks to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
  • Create, implement and manage base salary, incentive, equity, and bonus programs across the global firm ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices.
  • Conduct regular benchmarking and pay equity analyses, using data to inform decisions and drive fairness across geographies
  • Lead the annual compensation review cycle, integrating with payroll execution and ensuring leadership alignment.
  • Support the annual budget planning process by creating dynamic and flexible salary and bonus forecast models that reflect expected market trends and business results’
  • Prepare reports that provide us with insights into our compensation practices and areas for improvements.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and HR business partners on all compensation-related matters, including offers, promotions, and retention strategies.
• Recognition, Perks, & Flexibility
  • Partner with leadership and HR to design and maintain recognition programs that reinforce APCO’s culture and values.
  • Evaluate and recommend perks, allowances, and flexible work programs that support engagement and productivity.
  • Monitor emerging market trends in recognition and non-cash rewards to ensure offerings remain innovative and relevant.
• Total Rewards Philosophy & Communication
  • Develop a cohesive global Total Rewards philosophy that integrates compensation, recognition, perks, and flexibility into a compelling employee value proposition.
  • Lead the creation and delivery of engaging, transparent communications to employees and leaders about Total Rewards offerings and policies.
  • Assist in managing global compensation partners and outside experts in the areas of total rewards

Compensation Range

The US base salary for this position ranges from $175,000/year to $200,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.

Careers at APCO

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

About APCO 

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.  
Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.  
APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.  

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. 
By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance or related field
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in compensation or Total Rewards, ideally in a global, matrixed organization.
• Proven success in developing and managing global compensation programs and leading recognition and perks strategy.
• Experience in executive compensation, incentives design and equity programs
• Strong business acumen with the ability to link Total Rewards strategy to business priorities.
• Excellent analytical skills, market pricing, and survey management with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to provide expert advice and consultation services to a wide range of stakeholders, leaders, HR business partners, managers and staff.
• High integrity, discretion and attention to detail.
• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution ability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and multicultural environment