Senior Compensation Analyst

CU System; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

CU System Administration in Denver seeks a Senior Compensation Analyst to partner with HR, manage annual compensation cycles, and advise on pay decisions. The role focuses on data-driven analyses, market movement insight, and compliant employment practices within Colorado.

You will support merit increases, promotions, and pay growth, ensuring alignment with equity, internal policies, and external market value. A strong cross-functional collaboration culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional experience.
• Three years in HR with compensation experience including pay ranges.
• Familiarity with compensation programs, data reporting, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual compensation cycles and project management.
• Coordinate merit increases, promotions, and pay growth analyses.
• Provide guidance to HR Partners on compensation data, tools, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and related laws.
• Support development and continuous improvement of compensation programs and AI-enabled tools.

Skills

Excel expertise

Data analysis

Communication skills

AI tooling (LLM)

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Customer service

Influence stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft HCM

Taleo Enterprise Edition

Job description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary

Employee Services provides the CU community with excellent services from recruitment to retirement. This office provides technical expertise while administering benefits, professional development, payroll, individual tax management, and strategic HR programs. The functional areas of Employee Services include Payroll, Technologies, Benefits, Retirement, Financial Education, Learning and Development, International Tax and Human Resources.

The Senior Compensation Analyst serves in a specialist capacity to assist the University of Colorado's System Administration HR team in performing complex compensation analysis, job level and classification reviews, support of unique compensation requests, annual pay program cycles and activities, and support of data and tools. This role will provide guidance and consultation to the System HR Team HR Partners, and when requested, to System departments and managers, by advising on best practices to attract, motivate, and retain talent while driving sound and compliant employment decisions.

This position reports to the Compensation and Talent Program Manager and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Where You Will Work

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado, with the expectation of being in the office in Denver, CO, 1-3 days a month.

Please note, leadership may adjust in‑office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Compensation Cycles & Compensation Project Management

• Collects and provides analysis for activities associated with major annual compensation cycles and projects, in consultation with the Manager and Program Director including:
  • Annual Pay Range Updates: Coordinates, prepares, and validates data and identifies market. movement and trends, and works to support recommendations for annual pay range updates.
  • Annual Compensation Increases (merit): Coordinates and supports the annual compensation increase process, including preparation of data and workbooks, tracking department actions, supporting HR Partners through the process.
  • Talent Reviews: Support department talent review cycles ensuring consistent application of compensation practices.
  • Promotions and Pay Growth: Collects and provides analysis of promotions and pay growth actions.
• Identifies process gaps, risks, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement throughout annual compensation cycles and brings recommendations forward to Compensation leadership.
• Supports the development and continuous improvement of compensation programs, processes, tools, and resources, including integrating AI tools.
• Supports complex projects and initiatives and develops or implements new practices, processes, tools, and resources within assigned areas of expertise.

Compensation Analysis and Business Partnership

• Consult with and provide guidance to HR Partners regarding compensation knowledge, data, tools, and resources needed to make informed, consistent, and compliant compensation decisions including:
  • Workforce planning (new positions, backfills, drafting job descriptions)
  • Review of internal equity and compliance
  • Succession
  • Emerging capabilities (AI and other skills)
  • Processing and routing approvals
• Partners with other HR Specialists team to develop, administer, and continuously improve training, communications, and resources that increase understanding of compensation programs and processes.
• Oversee tool to track all position reviews and transactions.
• Manage positions in HRIS system and manage JD Library.
• Conduct assessments on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Colorado State System exemption status.
• Providing analysis and solutions for unique business problems including one-time pay bonuses, pay programs, temporary pay differentials, counter offers, and retention programs.
• Responsible for regular data and reporting to System HR team, HR Partners, and on an as-needed basis for departments and leadership.
• Ensure compensation practices meet compliance with particular focus on the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

What We Offer

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $80,000 - $82,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work‑life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work‑life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
• Three (3) years of experience serving in a human resources capacity including multiple of the following:
  • Experience working in or directly with an HR Compensation function
  • Experience reviewing job descriptions and making determinations on position levels and pay
  • Experience creating, updating, or administering pay ranges

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years' equivalent human resources experience, as indicated above, including:
  • At least three (3) of those years working in a dedicated Compensation role
• Familiarity with human resources systems and procedures (Peoplesoft HCM, Taleo Enterprise Edition, or similar platforms)
• Experience working with or for an institution of higher education
• Experience using AI in a business setting
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• General knowledge and understanding of business/organizational structures
• Customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly
• Computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn and experiment with new software and systems
• Comfort working with databases, website and electronic resources
• Ability to connect managers and teams to resources and guide them on process
• Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal
• Ability to influence managers and department leaders in support of strong decisions
• Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals, coordinate and facilitate meetings, and make decisions
• Deep excel knowledge and analytical skills
• Ability to compile and report on large data sets
• Ability to prompt artificial intelligence via a large language model (LLM)
• Knowledge of Colorado Labor and Pay Transparency laws
• Knowledge of federal labor and FLSA laws and statutes

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: [e-mail].

Hiring Contact

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]

Position Number: 00703483

Job Details

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: Human Resources

Primary Location: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 51000 - Employee Services

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Nov 3, 2026

Unposting Date: Nov 17, 2026, 6:59:00 AM