Director, Compensation

Role Overview Manager, Compensation, a member of the USC Human Resources organization, will lead the day‑to‑day operations of the Compensation team. The role ensures accurate, compliant delivery of staff compensation programs and services across the university. The Manager will coach and develop a team of compensation professionals, foster collaboration and accountability, and partner closely with HR leadership, business partners, and university leaders to support consistent, equitable compensation practices. Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of compensation professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and exceptional client service. Manage daily operations, workload, and priorities to ensure timely, accurate, and high‑quality service delivery. Recruit, onboard, evaluate, and develop team members; provide performance feedback and professional development opportunities. Establish, monitor, and communicate performance metrics and identify opportunities for operational improvement and technology enhancement. Build strong partnerships across HR and the university to promote collaboration and a consistent client experience. Administer staff compensation programs and services, ensuring compliance with university policies and applicable regulations. Provide expert consultation on job evaluations, market pricing, salary recommendations, promotions, reclassifications, equity reviews, and other compensation matters. Review and evaluate job descriptions for appropriate classification, family placement, and internal equity; oversee appeals and exception requests. Oversee participation in internal and external salary surveys; ensure accurate market analysis to support sound compensation recommendations. Maintain the integrity of compensation data and job profile information within HR systems; support process improvements and technology enhancements. Stay current on federal, state, and local compensation regulations, wage and hour laws, methodologies, and industry trends. Communicate compensation analyses and recommendations effectively, using market data, benchmarking resources, and clear methodology to support informed decision‑making. Promote equity, respect, accountability, and ethical conduct consistent with USC’s values and Code of Ethics. Perform related duties and special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field (or a combination of education and experience that is equivalent). Four to six years of progressively responsible compensation experience, including success leading, coaching, and developing professional staff. Experience administering compensation programs in a corporate, healthcare, higher education, or similarly complex organization. Strong knowledge of compensation principles, job evaluation methodologies, market pricing, salary administration, and applicable wage and hour laws. Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret compensation data and communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences. Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem‑solving, and customer service skills. Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, service‑oriented environment. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation. Experience administering compensation programs in higher education or another large, decentralized organization. Experience with compensation survey tools, job evaluation methodologies, and job classification frameworks. Demonstrated success coaching and developing employees at varying career stages. Experience presenting complex compensation analyses using data visualization and clear business narratives to support decision‑making. Additional Information Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required based on business needs. Required on‑site presence (minimum three days per week) at the University Park Campus. Annual base salary range: $156,000 – $165,000. Benefits package available as part of the total rewards program. Equal Opportunity Employer USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr