Senior Compensation Partner

USC'sHuman Resources Compensation departmentis seeking an experiencedSenior Compensation Partner to join their team. In this role, you will administer staff compensation programs while independently advising HR partners and departments on a wide range of complex compensation matters. You will lead classification and pay analyses, including equity adjustments and reorganizations, conducts internal audits, and supports market benchmarking and survey activities. This role requires strong analytical capability, including the ability to perform complex compensation and data analyses related to equity, market competitiveness, and organizational design. You will synthesize quantitative and qualitative data, translate findings into clear insights, and present recommendations in a compelling, executive-ready manner that tells a coherent story with data and supports informed decision-making.If you're passionate about using analytics to create real impact in a dynamic, collaborative environment, join us in shaping the future of compensation at USC.

Responsibilities:

• Administers and advances compensation programs by partnering with HR and departments to support operational and strategic needs. Provide expert guidance on reclassifications, pay equity, benchmarking, and pay adjustments, independently resolving compensation matters in alignment with university policies, wage guidelines, and compliance requirements.

• Leads compensation reviews and job evaluations for moderately complex cases, including reclassifications, internal promotions, and organizational changes. Independently determines classifications and pay actions using data analysis and documentation, serving as a trusted advisor on compensation decisions.

• Synthesizes complex compensation and market data into clear, actionable insights, delivering compelling recommendations and narratives for HR partners and senior leadership.

• Conducts market pricing and internal equity analyses to assess competitiveness and consistency. Supports external market surveys by identifying benchmark roles and validating data, researches peer institution practices, and distills findings into concise recommendations that inform compensation strategy.

• Develops and updates job descriptions to ensure accurate classification language, regulatory compliance, and consistency across roles. Maintains data integrity across HR systems and partners with HR and departments to support recruitment, compensation, and internal alignment.

• Ensures compliance and equity across compensation practices by reviewing and approving pay changes, conducts audits for equity, compression, and classification consistency, and recommends corrective actions. Monitors regulatory and employment law changes and advises HR partners on policy and practice updates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience in compensation analysis or a related role, preferably in a corporate or university environment.

• Strong foundation in compensation principles and practices, including job evaluation, market benchmarking, pay equity, wage and hour regulations, and compensation analysis.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing job content and compensation data to develop sound, compliant pay recommendations for business partners.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data and apply judgment in complex situations.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively partner with and advise stakeholders at all levels.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while delivering high-quality customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• 8+ years of relevant compensation experience, including experience providing guidance or informal leadership to other compensation analysts.

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or progress toward certification.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $116,400 - $120,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here.