Compensation Partner

At USC, we're reimagining how compensation drives equity, competitiveness, and organizational strategy across one of the world's leading research universities.

We're seeking a Compensation Partner who brings strong analytical capability and a collaborative mindset-building trusted partnerships while delivering data-driven compensation insights that support fair and consistent pay decisions.

In this role, you'll partner closely with HR colleagues and departments across the university, contributing to compensation analyses and helping guide day-to-day compensation decisions within established frameworks.

Work Arrangement: This hybrid role is based in Los Angeles, with an expectation of approximately two days per week on-site. Work arrangements may be adjusted over time based on business needs.

What Sets This Role Apart

* Opportunity to build depth across core compensation practices and programs

* Exposure to a complex, decentralized organization

* Blend of data analysis and collaborative partnership

* Hands-on experience with job evaluation, benchmarking, and equity reviews

* Clear pathway for growth into more strategic compensation advisory work

The Key Accountabilities:

* Support Compensation Partnership: Collaborate with HR and departments to address compensation needs, providing guidance on routine matters while escalating more complex issues as appropriate

* Conduct Compensation Analysis: Contribute to job evaluations, internal equity reviews, and pay assessments using established methodologies and supporting documentation

* Evaluate Compensation Actions: Participate in the review of reclassifications, promotions, and pay changes to ensure alignment with compensation structures and wage guidelines

* Analyze Market & Internal Data: Interpret compensation and survey data to support benchmarking efforts and data-informed recommendations

* Support Market Research & Surveys: Assist in external survey participation by identifying benchmark roles, validating matches, and compiling submissions

* Maintain Job & Data Integrity: Draft and update job descriptions and maintain accurate compensation data within HR systems (e.g., Workday, JDXpert)

* Ensure Compliance & Consistency: Support audit and compliance efforts by reviewing compensation actions for alignment with policies and regulatory requirements

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; combined education/experience may be considered.

• Minimum 4 years of job-related experience or transferable skills, including experience as an analyst in compensation, HR, finance, or a related field.

• Ability to collect, validate, and organize data to support compensation reviews (e.g., equity checks, classification, pay alignment).

• Working knowledge of mathematics/statistical analysis and ability to present data clearly.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with employees and leaders at all levels; able to multi-task and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail; ability to handle sensitive/confidential information professionally.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 6 years of job-related experience or transferable skills.

• Solid compensation experience as an analyst in a corporate or university environment.

• Working knowledge of compensation best practices, principles, methodologies, and wage and hour regulations.

• Demonstrated skill in analyzing job content and writing accurate, comprehensive job descriptions.

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Employee Benefits

USC offers a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families, promoting work-life balance and overall well-being.

Our employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans, and our culture is built on mutual respect, trust, and collaboration. Join us!

The salary range for this position is $90,867 - $101,450. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.