Associate Vice President Compensation

Penn Medicine; Bala Cynwyd (PA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking an experienced compensation leader to join the Total Rewards Team as Associate Vice President, Compensation. Reporting to the VP, Total Rewards, this executive role shapes compensation strategy at scale and partners with senior leaders to attract, retain and reward talent in alignment with Penn Medicine’s mission.

The AVP will lead enterprise-wide programs, drive change with an enterprise perspective, oversee a high-performing team, and partner with executives across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or related master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in HR with large healthcare experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years leading a multi-entity compensation department.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes compensation strategy in partnership with senior leadership.
• Leads system-wide compensation programs and governance.
• Oversees salary structures, policies, and annual fiscal-year planning.
• Provides executive-level guidance on compensation analytics and communications.
• Leads enterprise transformation initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Executive engagement

Communication

Project management

HR policies

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field

MBA or Master’s in Human Resources Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Penn Medicine has an exciting opportunity for an experienced compensation leader to join the Total Rewards Team as Associate Vice President, Compensation. Reporting to and partnering closely with the VP, Total Rewards, the AVP, Compensation is a pivotal leadership role for a forward-thinking executive who wants to shape the future of compensation at scale. As the face of Compensation, you will partner with senior executives to develop and advance compensation strategies that attract, retain and reward talent while supporting Penn Medicine’s broader mission and strategic goals.

This opportunity requires more than technical compensation expertise. We are seeking a confident and influential leader who can gain support for and lead complex enterprise initiatives, effectively engage executive audiences and drive change thoughtfully. With a strong team in place, the AVP will spearhead a robust portfolio of strategic projects, bringing an enterprise perspective, exceptional project management skills and a keen understanding of organizational impact. Experience within a hospital / multi-entity health system environment is strongly preferred.

Location

The AVP role is primarily remote, with the expectation that the individual resides in the greater Philadelphia area to attend regular onsite and ad hoc meetings.

Accountabilities

Strategic Planning

Develops and executes the UPHS compensation strategy in partnership with the VP, Total Rewards and in alignment with enterprise Total Rewards strategy, business priorities and financial objectives. Partners across the Total Rewards portfolio to ensure compensation programs support a cohesive, competitive employee value proposition. Partners with UPHS HR Leadership in developing the HR strategic plan and budgets. Anticipates market, regulatory and workforce trends and recommends proactive compensation strategies.

Compensation Program Design

Directs the design, governance, and administration of system-wide compensation programs aligned with UPHS strategic objectives and the Total Rewards strategy. Establishes system-wide policies, procedures, and practices to ensure effective administration, equitable application and interpretation of compensation policies, programs and practices. Establishes benchmarks, financial models, and program measures to evaluate competitiveness, effectiveness, and financial impact. Annually recommends a fiscal-year salary program that reflects the UPHS business plan and changing market goals. Provides consultative advice, counsel and guidance to Compensation staff, UPHS administration and management on matters related to compensation. Oversees job architecture, salary structures, compensation operations and controls, and compliance with applicable compensation requirements.

Financial Management

Partners with the HR Leadership team in the development and implementation of capital and operating budgets using system-wide standards and processes. Oversees the accurate reporting of cost center financial activities. Develops multi-year compensation forecasts and workforce investment models to inform enterprise planning.

Team Leadership

Builds, develops and leads a high-performing Compensation team; establishes clear accountabilities and service expectations; develops compensation capability across the team and fosters collaboration, continuous improvement and disciplined execution.

Stakeholder Relationships

Builds and maintains effective partnerships with leaders across Benefits, Retirement, Health and Well-Being and Absence Management; the University of Pennsylvania; Board of Trustees; Finance; Legal; Audit and Compliance; HR Business Partners; HR Operations; HR Technology and other stakeholders. Supports integrated Total Rewards programs, executive compensation, governance, compliance, financial stewardship, consistent system-wide delivery, clear compensation communications and leader education. Supports executive compensation analyses, recommendations, and Board or committee materials.

Transformation and Project Leadership

In partnership with the VP, Total Rewards and the HR PMO, defines compensation project strategies, roadmaps, governance and implementation plans. Leads compensation workstreams for enterprise transformation, integration, technology adoption, process improvement and automation, including stakeholder engagement, communication, change readiness and adoption.

Analytics and Executive Decision Support

Establishes compensation metrics, dashboards, benchmarks and financial models to evaluate competitiveness, equity, program effectiveness, and financial impact. Provides data-informed recommendations to the VP, Total Rewards and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field. (Required)
• MBA or Master’s in Human Resources Management or related field. (Preferred)
• 10+ years in HR required, large healthcare (multi-hospital) environment strongly preferred
• 5+ years experience managing a multi-entity compensation department (Required)
• Certified Compensation Professional designation by the American Compensation Association (CCP) (Preferred)
• Exceptional presentation skills, with experience and ability to confidently present complex information to senior leadership audiences
• Demonstrated clear written and verbal communication skills
• Deep knowledge of compensation practices and administration
• Demonstrated project management skills
• HRIS knowledge
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Power Point, Word)
• Strong interpersonal and liaison skills essential for working with management and executives

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.