Partner, Compensation

USC's Human Resources Compensation department is seeking a Compensation Partner to join our team. In this role, you will support the administration of staff compensation programs while partnering closely with HR colleagues and university departments on a broad range of compensation matters.

You will contribute to classification and pay analyses, review reclassification and compensation requests, support internal equity reviews, and participate in market benchmarking and survey activities. This role requires strong analytical capability, including the ability to evaluate compensation data, apply job evaluation methodologies, and interpret market information to support fair, consistent, and compliant pay decisions.

You will synthesize quantitative and qualitative inputs, translate findings into clear, actionable guidance, and contribute to data-informed decision-making within established compensation frameworks. If you are energized by using data thoughtfully and precisely in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we invite you to help advance compensation practices at USC.

Responsibilities

• Supports and advances compensation program administration by partnering with HR and departments to address operational compensation needs. Provides guidance on routine matters such as job classifications, internal equity reviews, and compensation requests, escalating complex or nuanced issues as appropriate.
• Contributes to job evaluation and pay assessments by applying standard evaluation methodologies and analyzing supporting documentation (job descriptions, organizational charts, questionnaires). Participates in the evaluation of routine reclassifications, promotions, and pay changes to ensure alignment with established compensation structures and wage guidelines.
• Analyzes compensation and market data to inform internal equity reviews and benchmarking efforts. Organizes and interprets survey data and internal comparisons to support consistent, data-informed recommendations.
• Participates in external market surveys and compensation research initiatives by identifying benchmark roles, validating job matches, compiling submissions, and synthesizing research findings to support compensation analyses.
• Develops and refines job documentation and data integrity practices by drafting and updating job descriptions for clarity and alignment, maintaining compensation data within HR systems (e.g., Workday, JDXpert), and identifying inconsistencies for resolution.
• Supports compliance, audit, and governance efforts by reviewing compensation requests for alignment with university policies and regulatory requirements, assisting in audit documentation, and maintaining awareness of employment law and compensation best practice updates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; combined education/experience may be considered.
• Minimum 4 years of job-related experience or transferable skills, including experience as an analyst in compensation, HR, finance, or a related field.
• Ability to collect, validate, and organize data to support compensation reviews (e.g., equity checks, classification, pay alignment).
• Working knowledge of mathematics/statistical analysis and ability to present data clearly.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with employees and leaders at all levels; able to multi-task and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail; ability to handle sensitive/confidential information professionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 6 years of job-related experience or transferable skills.
• Solid compensation experience as an analyst in a corporate or university environment.
• Working knowledge of compensation best practices, principles, methodologies, and wage and hour regulations.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing job content and writing accurate, comprehensive job descriptions.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,867 ? $101,450. 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 (https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/) .

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 4 years of job-related experience or transferable skills Minimum Skills: Experience as an analyst in compensation, human resources, finance or a related field. Ability to identify and solve problems creatively. Knowledge of mathematics and statistical analysis and presentation of data. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, able to interface and communicate with all levels of employees. Ability to multi-task and set priorities in a fastpaced environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated attention to detail. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Human Resources Or Business Administration Or in related field(s) Preferred Certifications: Certified Compensation Professional - CCP (WorldatWork) Preferred Experience: 6 years of job-related experience or transferable skills Preferred Skills: Solid compensation experience as an analyst in a corporate or university environment. Working knowledge of compensation best practices, principles, methodologies, theories and wage and hour regulations. Skill in analyzing and evaluating job content and writing accurate and comprehensive job descriptions.