Compensation Specialist

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Compensation Specialist supports the design, implementation, and administration of the University’s compensation programs, helping ensure pay practices are market-competitive, equitable, and compliant with federal and state requirements. The role serves as a compensation subject matter expert and liaison to campus constituents, providing guidance on compensation and related issues. It uses independent judgment to perform professional-level technical and analytical work in support of the human resources compensation function, in consultation with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits. In collaboration with the AVP, the specialist develops, implements, and administers compensation strategies to recruit and retain talent. The position analyzes compensation matters and recommends appropriate pay for new hires, reclassifications, promotions, one-time and extra payments, and bonuses. It also evaluates independent contractor requests under applicable wage and employment laws. The ideal candidate brings a data-driven approach, knowledge of compensation theory and compliance, and the ability to collaborate across the University while managing multiple assignments and time-sensitive deadlines.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of human resources compensation administration and employment functions.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes, and experience applying that knowledge to administer compensation systems.
Knowledge of wage and hour laws and laws and regulations relating to compensation, employment, collective bargaining, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
Strong analytical skills and proven experience gathering and analyzing data, reasoning logically, drawing valid conclusions, and making effective recommendations to management.
Skill in interpreting regulations and policies and providing guidance in an easy-to-understand, customer-service-oriented manner.
Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Ability to research and resolve pay matters accurately and on time according to internal deadlines.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Responsibilities

Analyze salary survey benchmarking data and use data analytics to recommend job classifications, compensation structures, and compensation levels aligned with University business needs.
Provide data-driven recommendations for new hires, promotions, and internal equity reviews in consultation with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits, escalating corrective or alternative actions as needed.
Prepare and maintain job descriptions for University positions, keeping the job description library accurate, current, and reflective of work performed.
Review job descriptions for accurate job content and appropriate exemption status, compensation, and position classification.
Conduct job audits and evaluations, and lead iterative discussions with hiring managers and supervisors.
Prepare and track position change request forms, confirmation letters, and job descriptions.
Audit processes for compliance with compensation and position management philosophies and procedures.
Run queries and generate reports related to compensation activities.
Respond to compensation and classification inquiries promptly, providing assistance or referring inquiries to appropriate resources.
Manage distribution, collection, and review for the annual merit cycle and annual minimum wage and FLSA adjustments.
Assist with the annual incentive process, including tracking employee transfers and salary adjustments through data preparation and modeling.
Support position description and compensation projects.
Partner with the AVP to enhance the compensation and performance management system.
Perform other related duties as assigned.