Director, Total Rewards

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a New York City–focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well‑leased office, retail, and multifamily assets totaling approximately 8 million square feet of office space and 0.8 million square feet of retail space. The company is known for its focus on energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable investment practices. Position Summary The Director, Total Rewards will lead the design, implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of the organization’s Total Rewards program, overseeing payroll/compensation, benefits, 401(k), and related functions. The role reports jointly to the EVP, Chief Financial Officer and the SVP, HR Strategy & Operations and requires collaboration across all departments. Responsibilities Lead payroll operations and administration to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Maintain oversight of the 401(k) plan, including vendor assessment, negotiations, and regulatory matters. Ensure accurate budgeting and recording of compensation‑related costs and review the monthly accounting entries related to compensation. Maintain an organized database of all compensation components and ensure accurate record‑keeping. Execute annual and mid‑year compensation processes in partnership with the SVP, HR Strategy & Operations. Lead the transition to a new Total Rewards/HRIS system. Direct all aspects of benefits strategy and administration, including health and wellness programs and retirement plans. Manage the process to obtain, process, and communicate annual compensation updates, including valuation of equity awards. Develop compensation budgets, forecast spend, and build processes to ensure annual changes remain within budget and aligned to business goals. Work closely with HR to ensure accurate budgeting and recording of compensation‑related costs and prepare monthly accounting entries. Oversee and execute pay equity analysis with outside vendors as needed. Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA, GDPR, WARN, TUPE). Partner with IT and cross‑functional stakeholders to maximize HRIS, analytics tools, and automation technologies. Drive continuous improvement and transformation initiatives across HR, enabling greater transparency, consistency, and efficiency. What Success Looks Like Seamlessly integrate into existing payroll and benefits processes to enhance efficiency and compliance. Model employee engagement and customer service as core values. Anticipate future trends and align programs with long‑term organizational goals. Build trust and alignment across teams and with employees through collaboration. Deliver scalable, compliant, and efficient HR solutions. Required Skills / Abilities Experience with union employee payroll (SEIU Local 32BJ, IUOE Local 94, IUOE Local 30). Extensive experience with HRIS/Payroll systems; ADP Workforce Now is preferred. Practical experience with financial analysis. Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. Proficient in accounting systems (preferably Yardi Voyager). Advanced skills in Excel and Microsoft Office. Executive compensation experience is preferred. CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification is a strong asset. Experience with process automation software such as Alteryx or Power BI is highly preferred. Education & Experience Minimum of 10 years in a role that has exposed one to multiple departments, service line leaders, and teams. Minimum of 6 years of experience with payroll management and compensation. Minimum of 6 years in a supervisory role. Bachelor’s degree required; MBA is a plus. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. What You Can Expect ESRT is a Great Place to Work® Certified employer dedicated to a positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow. Adaptable – quick to digest and execute new processes both collaboratively and independently. Dynamic – solutions‑oriented, aiming to improve processes and implement efficiency, and offering insightful feedback. Dependable – strong ownership and accountability over work. Passionate – excited about industry trends and driving forward with a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves attitude. Curious – consistently seeking new ways to work smarter. Ethical – respectful, integrity‑focused, and aligned with collaborative culture. Positive – service‑oriented attitude with excellent follow‑through. Benefits Competitive base salary and bonus. Health, dental, and vision insurance. Company‑sponsored life, AD&D, STD (with salary continuation), and LTD insurance. Voluntary enhanced LTD program. Voluntary hospital, accident, and cancer programs. 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%. Paid parental leave. Pre‑tax transit accounts. Employee Assistance Program for emotional, financial, and legal support. Well‑Being Generous paid time off. Flexible remote work time. Flexible summer Fridays. Employee engagement programs. Volunteer time off. Continuing education. Complimentary Empire State Building observatory access. Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits. Employee discount programs. $175,000 - $200,000 a year. Salary is based on factors such as education, work experience, location, and certifications. In addition to a base salary, ESRT provides discretionary annual bonuses. ESRT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because they drive curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive choices, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, caregiver status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship are available for applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. #J-18808-Ljbffr Empire State Realty Trust