Senior Compensation Analyst

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•$80,000 - $82,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education! At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose. By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities. We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration. Position Summary: Employee Services provides the CU community with excellent services from recruitment to retirement. This office provides technical expertise while administering benefits, professional development, payroll, individual tax management, and strategic HR programs. The functional areas of Employee Services include Payroll, Technologies, Benefits, Retirement, Financial Education, Learning and Development, International Tax and Human Resources. The Senior Compensation Analyst serves in a specialist capacity to assist the University of Colorado’s System Administration HR team in performing complex compensation analysis, job level and classification reviews, support of unique compensation requests, annual pay program cycles and activities, and support of data and tools. This role will provide guidance and consultation to the System HR Team HR Partners, and when requested, to System departments and managers, by advising on best practices to attract, motivate, and retain talent while driving sound and compliant employment decisions. This position reports to the Compensation and Talent Program Manager and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
Three (3) years of experience serving in a human resources capacity including multiple of the following: Experience working in or directly with an HR Compensation function, Experience reviewing job descriptions and making determinations on position levels and pay, Experience creating, updating, or administering pay ranges
General knowledge and understanding of business/organizational structures
Customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly
Computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn and experiment with new software and systems
Comfort working with databases, website and electronic resources
Ability to connect managers and teams to resources and guide them on process
Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal
Ability to influence managers and department leaders in support of strong decisions
Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals, coordinate and facilitate meetings, and make decisions
Deep excel knowledge and analytical skills
Ability to compile and report on large data sets
Ability to prompt artificial intelligence via a large language model (LLM)
Knowledge of Colorado Labor and Pay Transparency laws
Knowledge of federal labor and FLSA laws and statutes

Nice To Haves

Five (5) years’ equivalent human resources experience, as indicated above, including: At least three (3) of those years working in a dedicated Compensation role
Familiarity with human resources systems and procedures (Peoplesoft HCM, Taleo Enterprise Edition, or similar platforms)
Experience working with or for an institution of higher education
Experience using AI in a business setting
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Responsibilities

Collects and provides analysis for activities associated with major annual compensation cycles and projects, in consultation with the Manager and Program Director including: Annual Pay Range Updates: Coordinates, prepares, and validates data and identifies market. movement and trends, and works to support recommendations for annual pay range updates. Annual Compensation Increases (merit): Coordinates and supports the annual compensation increase process, including preparation of data and workbooks, tracking department actions, supporting HR Partners through the process. Talent Reviews: Support department talent review cycles ensuring consistent application of compensation practices. Promotions and Pay Growth: Collects and provides analysis of promotions and pay growth actions.
Identifies process gaps, risks, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement throughout annual compensation cycles and brings recommendations forward to Compensation leadership.
Supports the development and continuous improvement of compensation programs, processes, tools, and resources, including integrating AI tools.
Supports complex projects and initiatives and develops or implements new practices, processes, tools, and resources within assigned areas of expertise.
Consult with and provide guidance to HR Partners regarding compensation knowledge, data, tools, and resources needed to make informed, consistent, and compliant compensation decisions including: Workforce planning (new positions, backfills, drafting job descriptions), Review of internal equity and compliance, Succession, Emerging capabilities (AI and other skills), Processing and routing approvals.
Partners with other HR Specialists team to develop, administer, and continuously improve training, communications, and resources that increase understanding of compensation programs and processes.
Oversee tool to track all position reviews and transactions.
Manage positions in HRIS system and manage JD Library.
Conduct assessments on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Colorado State System exemption status.
Providing analysis and solutions for unique business problems including one-time pay bonuses, pay programs, temporary pay differentials, counter offers, and retention programs.
Responsible for regular data and reporting to System HR team, HR Partners, and on an as-needed basis for departments and leadership.
Ensure compensation practices meet compliance with particular focus on the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Benefits

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10%25 of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.