Director, Deferred Compensation

About Our Company

We’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of year-end 2024. Our team of 22,000 people across 19 countries, serves more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses – Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

Job Description

As the Director, Deferred Compensation, you will shape and lead the strategy, governance, and administration of deferred compensation and long-term incentive award programs across Ameriprise. You will partner closely with senior leaders, Legal, Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Human Resources Operations, and external advisors to ensure programs are compliant, cost effective, operationally efficient, and aligned with business and talent objectives.
This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to influence program design, simplify administration, reduce Section 409A risk, and enhance the participant experience through strategic thinking, automation, and process improvement. You will serve as a trusted advisor, using executive presence and consultative leadership to drive meaningful business outcomes and strengthen program effectiveness across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategy, governance, and administration of deferred compensation and long-term incentive award programs to support organizational objectives, talent priorities, and program effectiveness.

• Influence senior leaders and key stakeholders on program design, modifications, and optimization through expertise, credibility, and collaborative partnership.

• Partner with Legal, Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Human Resources Operations, and external advisors to balance competitiveness, employee needs, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory requirements.

• Modernize and simplify program administration by evaluating plan design, operational processes, and associated costs to improve efficiency, reduce complexity, and mitigate compliance risk.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations while proactively identifying, managing, and reducing Section 409A risk and administrative exposure.

• Oversee relationships with external recordkeeping vendors, ensuring service delivery, operational accuracy, participant support, and adherence to compliance standards.

• Lead communication strategies for new and existing programs, including enrollment materials, participant education, and guidance designed to support informed decision-making.

• Develop, coach, and lead a team responsible for program administration and governance while building capabilities in stakeholder influence, consultative leadership, and risk-aware decision-making.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience, including 5+ years in one or more benefits-related functional areas, with deep expertise in deferred compensation and equity programs.

• Demonstrated experience leading deferred compensation and equity program administration, governance, and vendor relationships.

• Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate program costs, effectiveness, and opportunities for simplification and operational improvement.

• Knowledge of deferred compensation and equity arrangements, including regulatory and compliance considerations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop program communications and present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proven people leadership experience with a track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.

• Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, stakeholder influence, collaboration, and consultative leadership skills, including the ability to drive change without direct authority.

• Ability to identify automation opportunities, bring fresh perspectives to program design and administration, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship

Applicants must have a valid work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require visa sponsorship for employment in the United States (e.g., H-1B, F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, TN).

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Base Pay Salary

The estimated base salary for this role is $117,900 - $207,100 / year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances.Full timeExemptHuman CapitalHR Human Resources

Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, disability status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.