Compensation Analyst

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

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Job Type:

FLSA Status:

Summary:

The Compensation Analyst will work as part of the Compensation team to provide consultation and analytical support for Human Resource compensation actions, including position classification, pay/market analysis, survey responses, organizational review, and HR Information System data auditing. The Compensation Analyst will also work directly with colleagues of all levels to provide information, guidance and support on Compensation processes, workflows, and data to help departments accomplish position creations, reclassifications, promotions, reorganizations, and market/equity studies.

This role involves evaluating job positions, performing market analysis, maintaining salary structures, and supporting various compensation processes to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and budget. The Compensation Analyst works closely with HR and management teams to deliver data-driven insights and recommendations.

This position reports to the Director of Compensation and is part of the Total Rewards and Service Delivery team.

Essential Functions:

1.) Compensation Administration

• Using compensation policies and procedures, provides guidance to representatives across the university on appropriate job leveling, FLSA classifications, and pay bands classifications for new position creation and existing position modification for staff positions. Works with existing workflows to review position descriptions for appropriate language, titling, and minimum qualifications in preparation for job postings and reclassifications. Aids HR representatives across all schools in the creation/drafting of job descriptions based off of unit requirements as needed. Works in partnership with the Compensation team on position reviews, including individual position assessments and/or full department/unit reviews. Assess job classification, equity analysis, market analysis, and organizational analysis. Provides consultation and workforce planning support to units for reorganization requests.

2.) Market Analysis

• Conducts market pricing and benchmarking studies to ensure competitive pay practices. Analyzes survey data to evaluate the organization’s compensation relative to industry standards. Makes recommendations for adjustments to salary structures based on market trends. The Compensation Analyst will lead salary survey submission process and will work with survey vendors as needed. This position will be the primary point of contact with Marketpay. The Compensation Analyst will ensure surveys are uploaded to Marketpay and survey migration is completed each year.

3.) Data Analysis and Reporting

• Prepares reports on compensation trends, pay disparities, and market competitiveness. Performs regular audits of compensation programs to ensure accuracy and fairness. Uses HRIS systems to analyze data and develop compensation insights. Collaborate with team members to respond to professional salary surveys as requested. Prepares compensation job profile, position matches and data compilation in the MarketPay online market-pricing application. Attends training sessions and webinars to keep updated on changes in the various Compensation applications.

4.) Project Support

• Participates in cross functional Human Resources working groups on various projects, such as audits, reporting and analytics. Conducts Workday testing and configuration updates. Supports annual compensation programs such as union increases, merit and equity increases. Serve as a Compensation SME on the University's career architecture project. Supports HR and business leaders in the development of new compensation programs and initiatives. Assists with the implementation and communication of compensation policies. Partners with HR teams to ensure smooth execution of annual salary planning. Assist Labor Relations with projects as needed.

5.) Employee/Department Support and Consultation

• Acts as a resource for managers and HR staff on compensation-related inquiries. Provides guidance on pay decisions, promotions, and adjustments to ensure equity. Conduct informational sessions and training on compensation topics as needed.

6.) Other Duties as Appropriately Assigned

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Serving Customers.

• Driving Continuous Improvement.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid Modality (1 - 3 days a week in the office).

Salary Range:

• $80,000 - $85,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

• 2 - 4 years of experience in compensation analysis, design, and administration.

• Hands-on experience with market pricing, salary surveys, and benchmarking compensation data.

• Experience in data analysis, reporting, and presenting compensation-related insights.

• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday).

• Proficiency in Excel, including using pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data modeling for compensation analysis.

• Proficiency in analyzing large datasets to inform compensation decisions and identify trends.

• Familiarity with compensation-related regulations, such as FLSA, pay equity laws, and wage and hour compliance.

• Proven ability to partner with HR teams, leadership, and external vendors to support compensation programs.

• Experience managing or contributing to projects, such as annual merit reviews, pay structure design, or policy updates.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

• Experience in higher education is strongly preferred.

• Experience working with colleagues at all levels with a customer-focused mindset.

• Experience with high volume compensation action/position management reviews.

• Certification in Compensation preferred (e.g., CCP or equivalent).

• Experience with Workday and Marketpay.

Travel Required:

• Minimal travel required.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.