Senior Compensation Strategist & Advisor

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

University of Southern California is seeking a Senior Compensation Partner to translate data into strategic pay decisions across academic and administrative functions. Based in Los Angeles with a hybrid schedule, you’ll partner with HR and leaders to drive equity, market competitiveness, and aligned compensation programs.

You’ll lead complex compensation work, tell compelling data stories to executives, and shape pay practices while ensuring regulatory compliance and policy alignment across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 6 years of related experience or transferable skills.
• Solid compensation skills and experience as an analyst.
• Thorough knowledge of compensation best practices, methodologies, and wage/hour regulations.
• Ability to identify and solve problems creatively.
• Knowledge of market data benchmarking and analysis for pay guidance.
• Excellent analytical, customer service and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across levels.

Responsibilities

• Advise & influence: Partner with HR leaders to guide compensation decisions on structure, pay, and org design.
• Drive pay equity & strategy: Lead analyses on internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Own complex compensation work: Lead reclassifications, promotions, and org changes with autonomy.
• Tell the story with data: Build executive-ready narratives for leadership decisions.
• Shape programs & practices: Evolve compensation programs, policies, and job architecture.
• Ensure compliance & integrity: Align with wage regulations and policies and best practices.

Skills

Compensation analysis

Data-driven decision making

Executive storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in HR or Business Administration

Job description

University of Southern California is seeking a Senior Compensation Partner to translate data into strategic pay decisions across academic and administrative functions. Based in Los Angeles with a hybrid schedule, you’ll partner with HR and leaders to drive equity, market competitiveness, and aligned compensation programs.

You’ll lead complex compensation work, tell compelling data stories to executives, and shape pay practices while ensuring regulatory compliance and policy alignment across the