Compensation Analyst - Tribal Operations

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC); Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is seeking a Compensation Analyst to design, analyze, and administer compensation programs across Tribal Operations. The role involves market pricing, internal equity evaluation, and participating in job evaluations to ensure competitive pay practices for SMSC members.

This position reports to the Manager of Compensation and Benefits and collaborates with HR partners to implement policy improvements and data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 2+ years of Compensation work experience required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Experience with human capital management systems, preferably UKG.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to partner with all levels of Human Resources, leaders, and team members.
• Commitment to high quality of work and excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to analyze data to tell a story.
• Ability to identify process improvements and implement new processes.
• Knowledge of FLSA and compensation regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Participate and support the administration of salary and variable pay programs including annual pay for performance merit review process, incentive plans, and market-based adjustments.
• Assist with compensation projects and may own or lead a workstream of the project.
• Evaluate and price jobs using market data to provide recommendations that meet business needs and internal equity.
• Audit and process variable and incentive pay programs and create team communications.
• Own the salary survey completion process. Provide support in data gathering, analysis, job matching, and completing survey materials.
• Ensure updated compensation data is updated in vendor software. Review gaps in survey data, research potential new sources of data, and provide recommendations to HR leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

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

Tools

UKG HRIS

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Summary: The Compensation Analyst supports the design, analysis, and administration of compensation programs and structures for Tribal Operations team members across the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). This role conducts market pricing, evaluates internal equity, and participates in job evaluations to ensure competitive and consistent pay practices. The Compensation Analyst provides data-driven recommendations, supports annual compensation processes, and contributes to policy development and process improvements. This position works independently on standard assignments and collaborates with cross-functional HR partners while escalating more complex issues to the Manager of Compensation and Benefits.

Primary Job Duties

• Participate and support the administration of salary and variable pay programs including annual pay for performance merit review process, incentive plans, and market-based adjustments.
• Assist with compensation projects and may own or lead a workstream of the project.
• Evaluate and price jobs using market data to provide recommendations that meet business needs and internal equity. Present information and make changes regarding job matches and pricing strategies.
• Audit and process variable and incentive pay programs and create team communications. Follow approval flow ensuring that approval signatures are received and the incentive is routed to the appropriate team for payment.
• Own the salary survey completion process. Provide support in data gathering, analysis, job matching, and completing survey materials. Review survey data and provide a high-level analysis of impacts and proactive communications and recommendations.
• Ensure updated compensation data is updated in vendor software. Review gaps in survey data, research potential new sources of data, and provide recommendations to HR leadership.
• Edit and maintain job descriptions, ensuring all required approvals are obtained and maintained within electronic files.
• Understand compliance policies, practices, and procedures and elevate concerns to leaders.

Work Location

This position is 100% on-site and requires the employee to work in person Monday through Friday. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for this role.

Reflects MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE required to meet the expectations of this job:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 2+ years of Compensation work experience required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Experience with human capital management systems, preferably UKG.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to partner with all levels of Human Resources, leaders, and team members.
• Commitment to high quality of work and excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to solve problems with sound judgment.
• Ability to understand and analyze data to tell a story.
• Ability to identify process improvements and take initiative to develop, implement, and document new and improved processes.
• Knowledge of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other regulatory requirements of compensation.