Compensation Analyst

Chapman-University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking a Compensation Analyst to design, implement, and administer the university’s compensation programs. You will ensure pay practices are market‑competitive, equitable, and compliant with federal and state laws, while supporting recruitment, retention, and academic excellence.

The role reports to the AVP of Compensation & Benefits. The ideal candidate will leverage data-driven insights, collaborate with campus partners, and manage annual merit cycles and compensation

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of human resources compensation administration and employment functions.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and statutes relating to compensation and employment.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to analyze data and provide management with clear recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to research pay matters and resolve compensation inquiries in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and maintain the university-wide compensation program; serve as the initial contact for classification and compensation inquiries.
• Provide benchmarking data and analytics for compensation reviews and address concerns with senior leadership.
• Manage annual merit cycles and Fair Labor Standards Act adjustments across the university.
• Offer data-driven compensation recommendations for hires, promotions, and internal equity reviews.
• Prepare and maintain accurate job descriptions reflecting actual work performed.
• Support incentive processes, transfers, salary adjustments, and system administration for compensation-related activities.

Skills

Compensation administration

HR regulations

Data analysis

Communication

Confidentiality

Tools

PeopleSoft HCM

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Compensation Analyst

Position Type

Position Type Regular

Job Number

Job Number SA61824

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $80,000 - $90,000

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

This role plays a vital part in helping to support the design, implementation, and administration of the University’s compensation programs. The Compensation Analyst will ensure pay practices are market-competitive, equitable, and aligned with federal and state compliance requirements, while also supporting the University’s broader goals of employee engagement, retention, and academic excellence. This position serves as a subject matter expert ( SME ) for the area of compensation and is a liaison to campus constituents in providing guidance with university compensation and compensation related issues. The compensation analyst is responsible for using independent judgment to perform professional level technical and analytical activities in support of human resources compensation function in consultation with the AVP of C&B. Collaborates with the AVP in the development, implementation, and administration of effective compensation strategies to recruit and retain talent. Performs detailed analysis and provides recommendations on appropriate compensation offers for new hires, reclassifications, promotions, one-time and extra payments, bonuses, and evaluates independent contractor requests in accordance with the Fair Labor Standard Act, wage order, and other relevant local, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes. The ideal candidate will bring a data-driven mindset, a strong understanding of compensation theory and compliance, and the ability to collaborate effectively with departments across the University. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and analyze and participate in the planning and on-going maintenance of the university-wide compensation program. Serve as the initial contact in the research and resolution of classification and compensation inquiries.
• Provides appropriate benchmarking and data analytics for compensation reviews and analysis and escalates corrective and/or alternative actions to the AVP of Compensation & Benefits for compensation-related concerns.
• Manages the distribution, collection, and review of the university annual merit cycle and annual minimum wage and Fair Labor Standard Act adjustments.
• Provide data-driven compensation recommendations for new hires, promotions, and internal equity reviews in consultation with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits.
• Prepares and maintains job descriptions for each position in the university; ensures descriptions accurately reflect the work being performed by incumbents.
• Assist in managing the annual incentive process including tracking employee transfers, salary adjustments, through data preparation, modeling, and system administration.
• Responds to Compensation/Classification inquiries in a timely manner and provides assistance or refers as necessary.
• Review job descriptions to accurately describe job content and classify exemption, compensation, and position appropriately.
• Performs job audits and evaluations, initiates, and supports interactive and iterative discussions with hiring managers and supervisors.
• Formulates recommendations on job classification, compensation structure and compensation level by conducting compensation and classification analysis reviews based on university business needs.
• Audits current processes to ensure compliance with compensation and position management philosophies and procedures.
• Work with AVP up to enhance compensation and performance management system.
• Manages, evaluates and classifies all staff and administrator positions.
• Key contact for initial reviews of department requests for position changes and supports full cycle job description modifications for promotions, reorganizations, and related projects.
• Prepares and track position change request forms, confirmation letters, and job descriptions.
• Run queries and reports as related to compensation and/or compensation related activities.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate maintenance of the university’s job description library.
• Support with Position Descriptions and Compensation projects
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of human resources compensation administration and employment functions
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and statutes and experience in the application of that knowledge to administer compensation systems.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws, and other laws and regulations relating to compensation, employment, collective bargaining, Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative Action and Fair Labor Standard Act.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Strong analytical skills with proven experience in gathering and analyzing data, reasoning logically, drawing valid conclusions, and making effective recommendations to management. Skill in interpreting regulations and policies and providing guidance in an easy to understand and customer service oriented manner.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to research and resolve pay matters accurately and in a timely manner according to various internal deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures; the ability to apply that knowledge in complex, difficult, and/or unprecedented situations.
• Strong technical skills to learn and use Human Resources Information Systems and reporting tools like PeopleSoft HCM , Microsoft Excel.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

MAIN CAMPUS

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS

9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.