Compensation Specialist

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

Job summary

Chapman University seeks a Compensation Specialist to design, implement, and administer the University’s compensation programs. The role ensures pay practices are market-competitive, compliant with laws, and aligned with strategic goals while supporting engagement, retention, and academic excellence.

The position is on campus in Orange, CA, full-time (40 hours/week) with an anticipated pay range of $80,000–$90,000. Collaboration with the AVP to enhance compensation strategies is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of compensation administration and employment laws.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws and compliance with state/federal regulations.
• Analytical skills with data-driven decision making.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in job evaluations and market benchmarking is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze salary survey data to align compensation with university needs.
• Develop and maintain job descriptions and classifications.
• Support merit, wage adjustments, and incentive processes.
• Prepare reports and respond to inquiries.
• Collaborate with departments and AVP to implement compensation strategies.

Skills

HR compensation administration

Employment functions

Data analysis

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree (HR or related field)

Tools

PeopleSoft HCM

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Information

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
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.
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 Title

Compensation Specialist

Position Type

Regular

Job Number

SA61824

Full or Part Time

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Exempt

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 Specialist 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 specialist 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

• Analyzes salary survey benchmarking data and applies data analytics to develop recommendations on job classification, compensation structure, and compensation levels that align with university business needs.
• Provides data-driven compensation recommendations for new hires, promotions, and internal equity reviews in consultation with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits, escalating corrective or alternative actions as needed.
• Prepares and maintains job descriptions for all university positions, ensuring the job description library is accurate, current, and reflects the work performed by incumbents.
• Reviews job descriptions to ensure they accurately describe job content and support appropriate exemption status, compensation, and position classification.
• Conducts job audits and evaluations, and leads interactive, iterative discussions with hiring managers and supervisors.
• Prepares and tracks position change request forms, confirmation letters, and job descriptions.
• Audits current processes to ensure compliance with compensation and position management philosophies and procedures.
• Runs queries and generates reports related to compensation activities.
• Responds to compensation and classification inquiries in a timely manner, providing assistance or referring to the appropriate resource as needed.
• Manages the distribution, collection, and review of the annual merit cycle and the annual minimum wage and Fair Labor Standards Act ( FLSA ) adjustments.
• Assists in managing the annual incentive process, including tracking employee transfers and salary adjustments, through data preparation and modeling.
• Supports position description and compensation projects.
• Partners with the AVP to enhance the compensation and performance management system.
• 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 Aff
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
• 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

Minimum Number of References

Minimum Number of References 3

Contact Information

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY