Compensation Specialist

This role plays a vital part in helping to support the design, implementation, and administration of the University’s compensation programs. The Compensation Specialist will ensure pay practices are market-competitive, equitable, and aligned with federal and state compliance requirements, while also supporting the University’s broader goals of employee engagement, retention, and academic excellence.

This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for the area of compensation and is a liaison to campus constituents in providing guidance with university compensation and compensation related issues. The compensation specialist is responsible for using independent judgment to perform professional level technical and analytical activities in support of human resources compensation function in consultation with the AVP of C&B. Collaborates with the AVP in the development, implementation, and administration of effective compensation strategies to recruit and retain talent. Performs detailed analysis and provides recommendations on appropriate compensation offers for new hires, reclassifications, promotions, one-time and extra payments, bonuses, and evaluates independent contractor requests in accordance with the Fair Labor Standard Act, wage order, and other relevant local, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes.

The ideal candidate will bring a data-driven mindset, a strong understanding of compensation theory and compliance, and the ability to collaborate effectively with departments across the University. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of human resources compensation administration and employment functions
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and statutes and experience in the application of that knowledge to administer compensation systems.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws, and other laws and regulations relating to compensation, employment, collective bargaining, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action and Fair Labor Standard Act.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Strong analytical skills with proven experience in gathering and analyzing data, reasoning logically, drawing valid conclusions, and making effective recommendations to management. Skill in interpreting regulations and policies and providing guidance in an easy to understand and customer service oriented manner.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to research and resolve pay matters accurately and in a timely manner according to various internal deadlines.

Desired Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• 4-6 years of experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures; the ability to apply that knowledge in complex, difficult, and/or unprecedented situations.
• Strong technical skills to learn and use Human Resources Information Systems and reporting tools like PeopleSoft HCM, Microsoft Excel.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities.

Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its education policies or any other policies or programs administered by the university.