Senior HR Compensation Associate- Office of Human Resources

Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Human Resources is seeking a Senior HR Compensation Associate to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for those who are passionate about shaping compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top talent.

Reporting to the Director of Total Compensation, the Associate is a key member of CMU’s HR team and serves as a trusted advisor to business leaders and HR partners on all aspects of compensation strategy, design, and administration.

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining competitive, equitable, and compliant compensation programs that align with CMU’s culture and strategic objectives. The Associate will conduct market research, analyze compensation data, and provide strategic insights to support salary decisions. They will also collaborate with HR partners and campus partners to ensure compensation practices align with regulatory requirements and support employee attraction and retention.

Core Responsibilities:

• Partner with HR and business leaders to assess compensation needs and provide expert guidance on pay structures, job evaluation, market benchmarking, salary recommendations, pay equity, and compensation policies.
• Conduct market research and salary surveys to analyze trends and ensure competitive, equitable pay practices.
• Analyze compensation data to identify trends, discrepancies, and areas for improvement.
• Design, model, and recommend compensation programs.
• Support additional compensation work such as salary surveys, audit reviews, prevailing wage determinations, and independent contractor vs. employee determinations.
• Lead and support the annual compensation review cycle (e.g., merit review), ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate and document job descriptions, leveling, and career frameworks to ensure internal consistency and external competitiveness.
• Maintain and update compensation databases, ensuring data accuracy and integrity; build reports to assist in decision-making and planning.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and regulatory requirements.
• Advise HR partners and leaders on compensation-related communications and change management.
• Contribute to compensation-related projects such as guideline development, job architecture, system updates, and total rewards initiatives.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Office of Human Resources. We seek a team member who can effectively engage a diverse range of partners with integrity and professionalism. Candidates should share our values and support the mission of the university through their work.

You Should Demonstrate:

• Solid knowledge of compensation principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and advanced Excel skills; experience with compensation management tools preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to influence partners at all levels.
• Ability to work independently on complex assignments, seeking guidance on unusual matters as needed.
• Proven ability to interpret and communicate information clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
• Willingness to research, test, and apply innovative approaches when faced with complex or novel problems.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

• 5–8 years of relevant compensation experience required.
• Previous experience in higher education and/or a complex, matrixed organization with varied business units preferred.
• International compensation experience is a plus.
• Previous experience with Workday is a plus.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired may be considered.

Certifications:

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) preferred.

Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check.

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Work Posture: This opportunity is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence of 3 days a week, 2 days remote (Pittsburgh, PA-based)
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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