Senior Compensation Partner

Job ID REQ20173438 Category Human Resources

At USC, we’re reimagining how compensation drives equity, competitiveness, and organizational strategy across one of the world’s leading research universities.

We’re seeking a Senior Compensation Partner who thrives at the intersection of data, strategy, and influence— translating complex insights into decisions that shape how we attract, retain, and reward talent.

This is not a transactional role. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to HR and leadership, guiding high-impact compensation decisions across diverse academic and administrative functions.

Note: USC is actively hiring for multiple Senior Compensation Partner openings. Candidates may be considered for current and upcoming roles within our Compensation team.

Work Arrangement: This hybrid role is based in Los Angeles, with an expectation of approximately two days per week on-site. Work arrangements may be adjusted over time based on business needs.

What Sets This Role Apart

• High visibility across a complex, decentralized organization

• Opportunity to influence equity and workforce strategy at scale

• Blend of hands-on analytics and consultative partnership

• Exposure to organizational design and strategic decision-making

• Hybrid work environment based in Los Angeles

The Key Accountabilities:

• Advise & Influence: Partner with HR leaders and departments to guide compensation decisions on structure, pay, and organizational design

• Drive Pay Equity & Strategy: Lead analyses on internal equity, market competitiveness, and pay practices—translating data into actionable recommendations

• Own Complex Compensation Work: Lead reclassifications, promotions, and organizational changes with a high degree of autonomy

• Tell the Story with Data: Build compelling, executive-ready narratives that inform leadership decisions

• Shape Programs & Practices: Contribute to the evolution of compensation programs, policies, and job architecture

• Ensure Compliance & Integrity: Maintain alignment with wage regulations, institutional policies, and best practices

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

• 6 years of job-related experience or transferable skills

• Solid compensation skills and experience as an analyst in a corporate or university environment.

• Thorough knowledge of compensation best practices, principles, methodologies and wage and hour regulations, skilled in analyzing and evaluating job content.

• Ability to identify and solve problems creatively.

• Knowledge of compensation market data benchmarking and analysis for providing guidance to business partners on pay recommendations.

• Excellent analytical, customer service and critical thinking skills.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface and communicate with all levels of employees.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Detail oriented.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or in related field(s)

• 8 years of job-related experience or transferable skills

• Experience providing guidance and direction to compensation analysts.

• Certified Compensation Professional – CCP (WorldatWork)

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Employee Benefits

USC offers a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families, promoting work-life balance and overall well-being.

Our employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans, and our culture is built on mutual respect, trust, and collaboration. Join us!

The salary range for this position is $116,000 to $123,000. 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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 6 years of job-related experience or transferable skills Minimum Skills: Solid compensation skills and experience as an analyst in a corporate or university environment. Thorough knowledge of compensation best practices, principles, methodologies and wage and hour regulations, skilled in analyzing and evaluating job content. Ability to identify and solve problems creatively. Knowledge of compensation market data benchmarking and analysis for providing guidance to business partners on pay recommendations. Excellent analytical, customer service and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface and communicate with all levels of employees. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to multi-task and set priorities in a fast-paced environment. Detail oriented. 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: 8 years of job-related experience or transferable skills Preferred Skills: Experience providing guidance and direction to compensation analysts.