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About xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge.

Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. Engineers are encouraged to work across multiple areas of the company, and as a result, all engineers and researchers share the title "Member of Technical Staff."

We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important.

All engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

xAI does not have recruiters. Every application is reviewed directly by a technical member of the team.

About the Role

xAI is seeking a dynamic Total Compensation Lead to join our Human Resources team. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining competitive and equitable compensation strategies that support our organizational goals and attract, retain, and motivate a high-performing workforce. The Total Compensation Lead will play a key role in ensuring our total rewards programs are market-competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with our company's values and strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a fast paced startup-like environment wearing multiple hats. This is an in-person role based in San Francisco, CA or Palo Alto, CA that requires up to 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive total compensation strategy that supports business objectives, including base pay, bonuses, incentives, benefits, and equity programs.
• Conduct market analysis to ensure compensation is competitive and equitable.
• Manage all aspects of the compensation programs, including salary structures, pay grades, and market pricing.
• Oversee the annual salary review process, ensuring adherence to budget guidelines and compliance with internal equity and external competitiveness standards.
• Create and update compensation policies and procedures in line with legal requirements, industry best practices, and company culture.
• Utilize HR analytics to evaluate compensation effectiveness, perform regression analyses, and forecast future compensation needs.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management on compensation trends, analyses, and recommendations.
• Address employee inquiries and issues related to compensation and benefits.
• Work collaboratively with other HR functions to ensure consistency in employee communications regarding compensation.
• Ensure all compensation practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including equal pay laws, FLSA, and other relevant legislation.
• Lead special projects or tasks related to compensation, such as new program rollouts, system implementations, or restructuring initiatives.
• Collaborate with various departments, including Finance, Legal, and IT, to align compensation strategies with broader corporate initiatives.
• Engage with external partners like compensation consultants and benefits providers as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in compensation or total rewards management, with a proven track record in a similar role or within a consulting firm specializing in compensation.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in compensation software and HRIS systems.
• Excellent project management capabilities with attention to detail.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills to engage with all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of compensation philosophies, market pricing, job evaluation, and pay equity analysis.
• Possession of or working towards CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or other relevant certifications is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable compensation plans.
• Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Innovative mindset with a proactive approach to enhancing employee value proposition.

Additional Requirements

• Available to occasionally work evenings and weekends, as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $150,000 - $185,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at xAI. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. You may be eligible to participate in the “flexible time off” policy & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.