(Hybrid) Compensation Specialist - Talent and Culture - West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
About the Job
Description
The Division of Talent and Culture at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Compensation Specialist.
About the Opportunity
The Compensation Specialist provides professional assistance and consultation services in administering and maintaining pay policies and programs for classified, non-classified and administrative employees. This position will evaluate and classify positions; assist in the evaluation of organizational needs and market trends; and assist in the development of new or enhanced job families and/or compensation programs as needed.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Review WVU and Research Corp Staff positions to conduct job reviews to determine appropriate classification/title and pay level.
- Works directly with unit leadership to provide guidance and consultation in making informed compensation decisions by delivering decision support research, analysis, data, tools and structures related to compensation and classification.
- Assist in developing and monitoring the career development and pathing programs and process among assigned constituencies to ensure overall consistency and appropriateness of application, and compliance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Consult with assigned leaders in areas, Strategic Business Advisors and department/college managers regarding requests for new or revised job classifications; evaluate needs based on organizational or market factors and create and slot classifications into the WVU structure as appropriate.
- Develop and prepare compensation unit reports and analyses (e.g., benchmark comparisons, pay plan reports, personnel actions).
- Research and analyze competitive compensation practices in the job market;
- Serve as a primary point of contact and consultation for the University community by responding to classification and associated compensation concerns, questions and issues. Provide advice and counsel on day-to-day compensation issues, policy interpretation, problem resolution, and compliance with University regulations.
- Assist in the design, modification, implementation, and maintenance of compensation plans, including salary ranges, and pay policies and procedures.
- Assist with the design and delivery of presentations, training and communication on compensation topics.
- Participate in the review of proposed compensation, classification and HR information related policies, legislation, reports and programs and prepare WVU position papers and policy recommendations.
- Research and analyze compensation and related personnel issues; keep abreast of current compensation trends, laws and regulations.
- Assist in the research and evaluation of the University's compensation practices and provide recommendations for improvement, as appropriate.
- Plan, develop, and coordinate implementation of routine job structure and market studies; compile and analyze results, making recommendations from acquired data.
- Participate in salary surveys to appropriate market-based compensation.
- Design and administer instruments, and compile, analyze and report salary data.
- Participate in departmental/unit reorganizations, conducting studies and interviews as appropriate and as assigned and making recommendations.
- Stays abreast of relevant HR and compensation trends and changes in law; assists in developing plans for complying with legal/case law mandates/requirements and for implementing and communicating such changes to customers and other stakeholders.
- Performs other job-related duties and participates in projects as needed to support the achievement of departmental and unit goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, business, or related degree.
- A minimum of two (2) years experience in the following:
- Progressively responsible, analytical, statistical or research experience in business environment or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of theories, principles and procedures relating to position classification and job analysis.
- Knowledge of the provisions of federal and state laws affecting compensation (e.g., FLSA, Affirmative Action, Equal Pay Act).
- Ability to learn and apply classification principles effectively and in exercise sound judgment in recommendations for classification of a wide variety of positions.
- Ability to compose clear and complete reports of compensation findings and recommendations.
- Knowledge of the principles of compensation plan development and administration.
- Knowledge in basic statistics (e.g. percentage, means, median, etc.) and using Excel spreadsheet functionality.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Ability to draft and edit effective written materials.
- Ability to use independent judgment in the conduct of studies and in resolving issues and concerns of clients
- Skill in organizing resources and in establishing priorities.
- Ability to provide positive customer service.
- Ability to clearly articulate content and present to clients and leadership.
- Considerable knowledge of and skill of software packages commonly used in the human resources field, including Microsoft Office. Proven knowledge of and skill in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access are also required.
- Initiative and motivation to request, accept, and complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully, effectively and cooperatively as a member of a team of diverse skill levels and expertise from multiple areas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s in business administration, human resources, or a directly related field.
- Compensation experience
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.
