Manager, Compensation

Overview

Manager, Compensation — Division of Human Resources, University of Southern California. USC Human Resources is seeking a collaborative and analytical leader to manage the design, delivery, and evaluation of staff compensation programs across the university. The Manager of Compensation will play a key role in ensuring USC's pay practices remain equitable, competitive, and aligned with institutional values. This is a dynamic opportunity for a compensation professional to lead high-impact work in a complex and evolving organization.

The Manager of Compensation is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing compensation programs, policies, and procedures for university staff. This role is part of a broader organizational realignment and has been designed to support USC's commitment to operational excellence, pay equity, and data-informed decision-making. The Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the compensation team and partners closely with HR business partners across USC to ensure pay practices align with recruitment, retention, and equity goals. This position also leads compensation consulting services for schools and administrative units, providing expert guidance on job classification, salary setting, and market analysis.

The role emphasizes leveraging technology to transform the way work is done and increase response times, while maintaining a strong focus on measuring client satisfaction with compensation services. The Manager will also be expected to develop and coach team members at various stages of their careers, establish clear team and individual performance metrics, and model excellent face-to-face communication skills when working with clients and stakeholders. An ability to tell a compelling story with data, citing benchmark resources and calculation methods, will be critical to influencing decision-making and strengthening transparency in compensation practices.

In addition, the Manager serves as a key liaison for internal audits, survey participation, and compliance efforts, playing a critical role in delivering consistent, transparent, and continuously improving compensation services.

This position requires an on-site presence of a minimum of 3 days per week at the University Park Campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the administration of staff compensation programs and services, ensuring compliance with program goals, institutional needs, and service delivery standards.
• Lead the compensation team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and day-to-day operations.
• Establish and monitor team and individual performance metrics to ensure accountability, quality, and service excellence.
• Oversee participation in internal and external salary surveys; analyze results to assess market competitiveness and inform strategy.
• Review and evaluate job descriptions for appropriate classification, job family placement, and equity; oversee appeals and exception requests.
• Ensure job profile data is accurately maintained in the HRIS system and leverage technology to streamline and improve processes.
• Provide expert consulting services to HR partners and managers on compensation best practices, new hire offers, promotions, and salary adjustments.
• Measure client satisfaction with compensation services and implement improvements informed by feedback.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local compensation regulations and wage and hour laws.
• Stay current on industry trends, market developments, and compensation methodologies through professional development and active association engagement.
• Promote a culture of equity, respect, and accountability in alignment with USC's Code of Ethics.
• Communicate insights and recommendations effectively, using data storytelling and benchmarking resources to influence decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in compensation, including 2+ years in a management or leadership capacity (a combination of experience and education may be substituted where applicable).
• Experience managing a compensation program in a corporate or university environment.
• Knowledge of compensation principles, best practices, and methodologies, including wage and hour regulations.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and present compensation data.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistical analysis related to compensation planning and benchmarking.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively face-to-face and in-person settings with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.
• Experience managing compensation programs in a higher education environment.
• In-depth understanding of compensation survey tools, job evaluation processes, and job classification frameworks.
• Experience coaching and developing team members at varying career stages.
• Experience using data storytelling and benchmarking methods to influence compensation strategy and decisions.

Note: May require occasional work on evenings, weekends, or holidays based on business necessity.

The annual base salary range for this position is $156,000 - $165,000 annually. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of 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.