Senior Compensation Partner

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$116,000 - $123,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Most compensation roles are heavy on execution and light on influence. This one isn’t. At USC, you’ll help shape pay strategy within a workforce of 19,000+ employees—partnering directly with leadership in a highly varied, multi-functional environment. USC is one of the largest employers in Los Angeles, with a workforce spanning academic, research, healthcare, and administrative functions. That scale creates unique and meaningful compensation challenges—along with the opportunity to influence equity, competitiveness, and organizational strategy in ways few roles can offer. We’re looking for a Senior Compensation Partner who thrives at the intersection of data, strategy, and influence—and wants to play a visible role in evolving how compensation supports a world-class institution. The Opportunity This is a highly visible, strategic partner role. You’ll work directly with HR and leadership to guide high-impact decisions on pay, structure, and organizational design—shaping how compensation supports talent across the university. You’ll translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and contribute to modernizing compensation practices through new tools, technologies, and evolving approaches, including data-driven and AI-enabled insights. If you’re looking for broader scope, more complex challenges, and the opportunity to work closely with leaders across a wide range of functions—while making a meaningful impact on pay equity and how people are supported—this role offers that and more. Note: USC is actively hiring for multiple Senior Compensation Partner openings. Candidates may be considered for current and upcoming roles within our Compensation team. Work Arrangement: This hybrid role is based in Los Angeles, with an expectation of approximately two days per week on-site.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
6+ years of relevant experience in compensation or transferable skills
Strong foundation in compensation analysis within a corporate or university environment
Knowledge of compensation principles, methodologies, and wage and hour regulations
Experience with market benchmarking and pay analysis to support business decisions
Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across all levels of an organization
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
8+ years of relevant experience
Experience providing guidance or direction to other compensation analysts
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) credential
Experience working in large, complex, or multi-functional organizations (e.g., higher education, healthcare, or similarly structured environments)
In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Responsibilities

Strategic advising: Partner with HR leaders and departments to guide compensation decisions on pay, structure, and organizational design
Pay equity & market strategy: Lead analyses on internal equity and market competitiveness, translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations
Complex compensation work: Lead reclassifications, promotions, and organizational changes with a high degree of autonomy and sound judgment
Data storytelling: Build clear, executive-ready narratives that inform and influence leadership decisions
Program evolution: Contribute to the development and refinement of compensation programs, policies, and job architecture
Mentorship & development: Provide guidance to less experienced team members and support knowledge sharing across the team
Governance & compliance: Ensure alignment with wage and hour regulations, institutional policies, and compensation best practices
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Benefits

USC offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employees and their families, including:
Robust healthcare options
Retirement plans with employer contributions
Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents
These programs are designed to support long-term well-being, financial security, and continued growth.

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