Senior Compensation Partner

Most compensation roles are heavy on execution and light on influence. This one isn’t. At USC, you’ll help shape pay strategy within a workforce of 19,000+ employees—partnering directly with leadership in a highly varied, multi‑functional environment. Opportunity This is a highly visible, strategic partner role. You’ll work directly with HR and leadership to guide high‑impact decisions on pay, structure, and organizational design—shaping how compensation supports talent across the university. You’ll translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and contribute to modernizing compensation practices through new tools, technologies, and evolving approaches, including data‑driven and AI‑enabled insights. Key Accountabilities Strategic advising: Partner with HR leaders and departments to guide compensation decisions on pay, structure, and organizational design. Pay equity & market strategy: Lead analyses on internal equity and market competitiveness, translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Complex compensation work: Lead reclassifications, promotions, and organizational changes with a high degree of autonomy and sound judgment. Data storytelling: Build clear, executive‑ready narratives that inform and influence leadership decisions. Program evolution: Contribute to the development and refinement of compensation programs, policies, and job architecture. Mentorship & development: Provide guidance to less experienced team members and support knowledge sharing across the team. Governance & compliance: Ensure alignment with wage and hour regulations, institutional policies, and compensation best practices. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. What Sets This Role Apart High visibility across a large, complex organization. Opportunity to influence pay equity and workforce strategy at scale. A blend of hands‑on analytics and strategic consulting. Exposure to organizational design and senior leadership decision‑making. Chance to mentor and guide junior team members. A role that builds readiness for future leadership and management paths. Collaborative, high‑performing team environment. Who Thrives in This Role Enjoy working in complex, evolving environments where every day brings interesting challenges. Can move comfortably between detailed analysis and strategic conversations. Turn ambiguous or complex data into clear direction and insight. Comfortable influencing stakeholders without direct authority. Take ownership and bring a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset. Value collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. 6+ years of relevant experience in compensation or transferable skills. Strong foundation in compensation analysis within a corporate or university environment. Knowledge of compensation principles, methodologies, and wage and hour regulations. Experience with market benchmarking and pay analysis to support business decisions. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across all levels of an organization. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. High attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. 8+ years of relevant experience. Experience providing guidance or direction to other compensation analysts. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) credential. Experience working in large, complex, or multi‑functional organizations. Demonstrated commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well‑being, open communication, and accountability. Employee Benefits Robust healthcare options. Retirement plans with employer contributions. Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents. Salary range: $116,000 to $123,000. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr