Chief of Compensation Strategy — Hybrid Role

NORC at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan (401k) & retirement 3b

Life & disability insurance

Generous PTO & parental leave

Job summary

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Director of Compensation to lead compensation strategy, governance, and program design across the organization. You will collaborate with the People team and leaders to shape pay structures, job ladders, and market competitiveness.

The role requires strong analytical skills, leadership experience, and a deep knowledge of pay equity and regulatory compliance. The position supports a hybrid schedule with two days in the Chicago Loop office and offers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years in compensation program development and administration.
• Experience managing teams in a corporate setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement compensation strategies, job roles, salary ranges, ladders, budgets and guidelines.
• Advise managers on pay decisions to balance engagement, equity, and policy.
• Evaluate jobs, create job descriptions, and maintain job architecture and salary scales.
• Administer special pay transactions and recognition programs with proper approvals.
• Conduct market research, benchmarking, and participate in compensation surveys.
• Design base pay structures, bands, and variable pay programs with leadership.
• Ensure legal compliance with federal/state/local wage laws.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to guide offers, promotions, and merit cycles.
• Analyze pay data to monitor equity and generate management reports.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ADP

Job description

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Director of Compensation to lead compensation strategy, governance, and program design across the organization. You will collaborate with the People team and leaders to shape pay structures, job ladders, and market competitiveness.

The role requires strong analytical skills, leadership experience, and a deep knowledge of pay equity and regulatory compliance. The position supports a hybrid schedule with two days in the Chicago Loop office and offers