Academic Compensation Assistant

Rock Valley College; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rock Valley College is seeking an Academic Compensation Assistant in the Academic Affairs department. The role oversees faculty and adjunct pay processes, prepares compensation documentation, and ensures accurate processing within established timelines.

The position requires confidentiality, strong office skills, and experience with payroll-related tasks; familiarity with Colleague software is a plus. This full-time, non-exempt role supports the Vice President of Academic Affairs and related

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Business or Accounting courses preferred.
• Must have one-year experience in administrative setting.
• Must be a proactive problem solver and able to analyze and resolve issues.
• Must effectively communicate with team members, seniors, and other key personnel.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to all clients through all methods of contact.
• Prepare compensation documentation, including initiating, maintaining, and verifying.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets for assorted payroll categories.
• Develop and implement procedures related to faculty and adjunct pay processing operations, upon VP approval.
• Provide liaison outreach to deans and administrative assistants.
• Support Human Resources in new hire orientation when requested.

Skills

Excel

Communication skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Colleague software

Job description

Position Title: Academic Compensation Assistant

Department: Academic Affairs (ACA)

Division:Academic Affairs (ACA)

Employee Status:Full-Time

Type: Support Staff Association (SSA Union)

Grade:9

Salary: ($19.68-$24.76 hourly)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Revised: 10/2026

Application Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to:Direction is received from the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary

Provide oversight of the activities and processes involved with faculty and adjunct pay. Prepare compensation processing and reporting in accordance with procedures established for the College. Serve as a technical expert, ensuring compensation tasks are completed accurately within defined timelines. Perform administrative and office support activities for Vice President of Academic Affairs. This position requires a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following.Related duties may be assigned.

• Provide excellent customer service to all clients through all methods of contact.
• Prepare compensation documentation, including initiating, maintaining, and verifying.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets for assorted payroll categories.
• Develop and implement procedures related to faculty and adjunct pay processing operations, upon approval from the VP of Academic Affairs, collaborating with affected departments.
• Provide liaison outreach from Academic Affairs office to deans and administrative assistants.
• Assist Human Resources department in new hire orientation when requested.
• Maintain and distribute a schedule of pay periods, with deadlines provided for Academic Affairs.
• Obtain a working knowledge of the Colleague system as it relates to academic schedules and adjunct/faculty loads.
• Periodically review and update procedures manual.
• Respond quickly to contract or policy changes that may require system or reporting updates.
• Participate in ongoing review of College practices; ensuring adherence to the College policies, mission and goal statements, and labor contracts.
• Provide clear and accurate compensation information to customers and assist internal and external contacts in resolving specific payroll issues.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll policies, and federal and state regulations.
• Perform a wide variety of record keeping and payroll processing activities; including computing wage and overtime payments.
• Attend appropriate seminars and workshops.
• Serve on appropriate College committees.
• Remain current in technology advancements utilizing Colleague software and other 3rd party vendors.
• Prepare professional reports and financial data using a variety of software programs.
• Provide training and functional supervision of other administrative staff.
• Provide consultation to complex projects to other staff as necessary, researching as directed.
• Conduct appropriate financial transactions.
• Coordinate various office support services, including through interaction with other departments.
• Interpret policies and procedures as established by superiors.
• Available to attend functions and meetings during times other than the normal business day, including evening/weekends.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Use tact and courtesy to establish and maintain professional working relationships.
• Regular attendance is expected.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree required, Business or Accounting courses preferred.
• Must have one-year experience in administrative setting.
• Must have one-year experience in administrative setting.
• Must be a proactive problem solver, capable of identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues and inefficiencies.
• Must be an efficient manager of resources, capable of problem solving, decision making, and using planning tools.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with team members, seniors, and other key personnel.
• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and meet crucial deadlines with accurate results.
• Must be detail oriented and possess a strong work ethic.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills are required.
• Knowledge of business practices preferred.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.

The job is primarily performed in an office setting.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing this role, employees regularly use their hands to operate tools, equipment, or controls, and to reach, handle, or manipulate objects. The role also involves frequent verbal communication and active listening, as well as periods of standing.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. Including application and hiring, and to perform the essential functions of the position.