Compensation Manager

Compensation Manager

The Compensation Manager serves as a subject-matter expert providing consultative, analytical, and operational support for classification and compensation functions across Spelman College. This role collaborates closely with Human Resources and Culture units and campus stakeholders to ensure accurate position classification, equitable compensation practices, and compliance with institutional policies, federal and state regulations, and applicable agreements. The Compensation Manager advises managers and employees, evaluates position descriptions and FLSA status, supports salary administration activities, and contributes to communication, training, and continuous improvement of classification and compensation programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Position Classification Reviews and approves new and revised classified and unclassified position descriptions to determine appropriate classification, appointment type, employment class, bargaining unit status, and compensation structure placement. Manages the position management process and evaluates position descriptions to ensure duties, scope, and responsibilities are accurately documented and aligned with institutional classification standards. Conducts FLSA determinations in compliance with federal requirements, including application of exemption tests; audits positions for FLSA status changes and communicates required actions to leadership and employees. Collaborates with HR technical teams to ensure job titles, classifications, and position data are accurately established and maintained in HR information systems and position description platforms.

Compensation Administration Develops and maintains compensation programs and job architectures in HRIS database and other department compensation systems. Performs compensation-related reviews and approvals in accordance with established College guidelines and policies. Reviews and approves starting salaries, in-hire rates above entry levels, off-cycle salary increases, merit and equity adjustments, administrative stipends, differentials, special pay, and work-out-of-classification requests. Assists with the administration of compensation actions, including step increases, COLAs, supplemental pay requests, and other contractual salary provisions. Reviews and analyzes compensation actions to ensure compliance with applicable equal pay laws and internal equity standards. Identifies appropriate comparator groups for positions performing work of comparable character and recommends starting rates and salary actions that support equity and consistency across the institution. Completes compensation system related actions, to include updating salary planner, job architecture, job code table, compensation transactions, ERP implementation frameworks, and managing day-to-day compensation systems.

Communication and Training Facilitation Monitors and responds to classification and compensation-related inquiries, escalating or routing issues as appropriate. Develops and distributes communications to employees, managers, and senior leadership regarding classification and compensation initiatives, policy updates, and procedural changes. Creates training materials, guidance documents, and reference resources related to position description development, position allocation, and compensation processes. Facilitates training sessions and consultations for campus stakeholders on classification, compensation, organizational structure, and related systems and tools.

Other Responsibilities Conduct quarterly or annual desk audits and compensation studies (e.g., CUPA-HR, etc.). May serve on various campus committees, as requested. May complete other duties as assigned within the scope of work for the position.

Required Qualifications - Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in classification, compensation, or HR administration. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in position classification, compensation administration, or related HR functions. Demonstrated experience conducting FLSA determinations and applying compensation policies and frameworks. Experience supporting classification and compensation programs in higher education, a large public-sector organization, or a comparably complex environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret policy, evaluate data, and make sound recommendations. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in classification and compensation practices. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee and compensation information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex classification and compensation concepts to non-technical audiences. Strong consultative and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse campus constituencies. Proficiency with HR systems, databases, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, or similar). Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience supporting classification and compensation programs in higher education, a large public-sector organization, or a comparably complex environment is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Restrictions - Preferred: Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)

Physical Demands - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, use hands to operate a computer and other office equipment, and to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb, stoop, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

Shift - Days

% Travel Required - 0%

Full Time/Part Time - Full-time

Work Location/Schedule: - This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

FLSA - Exempt

Posting Number - SC0917P