Assistant Director, Compensation

Posting Number
req27110

Department
Human Resources

Department Website Link
Human Resources

Location
Outside of Tucson

Address
AZ USA

Position Highlights
The Assistant Director, Compensation is responsible for the leadership, administration, and continuous improvement of the University's compensation programs, practices, and processes. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the compensation function, including oversight of compensation staff, consultation and analytical support for organizational leaders, and administration of compensation policies and programs. The position plays a key role in contributing to the development and ongoing evolution of the University's compensation strategy and is responsible for translating approved strategy into effective compensation programs, practices, processes, and team priorities.

This position is available for remote work anywhere in Arizona.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Duties & Responsibilities

Team Management:

• Establish team priorities and allocate resources to effectively execute compensation strategy, programs, projects, and day-to-day compensation activities.
• Provide clear direction, support, training and coaching to compensation analysts.
• Lead senior analysts through market pricing and benchmarking, project leadership, business consultation and data analysis and reporting.
• Assign projects and compensation work based on organizational priorities, expertise, capacity, and development opportunities.
• Ensure the team's work is consistent with approved compensation strategy, philosophy, policies, practices, and service expectations.
• Manage recruitment, performance management, employee development, workload, and other supervisory responsibilities for the Compensation team.
• Address operational issues and escalated compensation matters.

Compensation Strategy and Program Development:

• Partner with HR leadership to evaluate, and evolve the University's compensation strategy, career architecture, and practices in support of institutional and workforce priorities.
• Translate compensation strategy into operational plans, priorities, and actionable initiatives.
• Develop recommendations regarding salary structures, pay ranges, compensation policies, and market positioning.
• Develop and implement compensation initiatives that align with workforce planning, talent management, and institutional objectives.
• Prepare analyses, reports, and business cases to support compensation-related decision-making.

Compensation Program Management:

• Manage the daily administration of compensation policies, programs, and practices for staff positions across the University. Monitor to ensure accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and responsiveness to organizational needs.
• Develop compensation procedures, documentation, tools, and resources that support effective program administration.
• Determine training needs of HR colleagues on compensation practices and deliver training.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve compensation-related workflows, systems, and customer service delivery.
• Assist in planning and administering annual compensation cycles, including merit review, market adjustments, and salary increase programs.
• Partner with HR colleagues and departmental leaders to provide guidance and recommendations on compensation matters. Review job responsibilities, organizational structure, qualifications, scope of impact, and market data to support decisions.
• Ensure compensations decisions are consistent across units.

Data Analytics and Reporting:

• Analyze and present compensation metrics, trends, and workforce insights.
• Maintain dashboards and reports that support informed decision-making.
• Utilize HR systems and compensation tools to ensure data integrity and effective reporting.
• Provide leadership with recommendations related to compensation costs, salary competitiveness, workforce trends, and pay equity considerations utilizing data and metrics.

Compensation Compliance:

• Ensure compensation programs and practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Partner with HR compliance on compensation issues for employees outside of Arizona.
• Ensure compliance with university compensation policy.
• Audit compensation practices as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of compensation principles, practices, methodologies, and trends.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of job evaluation, market pricing, salary structures, and pay equity.
• Ability to assess organizational issues and develop practical, strategic solutions.
• Ability to establish effective relationships and collaborate across organizational functions and levels.
• Proficiency with compensation and analytical tools, systems, and data sources.
• Exceptional communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Knowledge of Federal and State labor laws.
• Skill in public speaking and presenting information to large groups.
• Skill in leading, motivating and developing employees to achieve individual and organizational goals.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervision of compensation team in higher education institution.
• Demonstrated experience administering salary structures, pay practices, and annual compensation reviews.
• Experience with compensation program administration.

FLSA
Exempt

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week
40

Job FTE
1.0

Work Calendar
Fiscal

Job Category
Human Resources

Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay
$99,901 - $129,871

Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade
12

Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level
M2

Job Family
Compensation

Job Function
Human Resources

Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies
1

Target Hire Date
11/9/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Staci Wilson,
[email protected]

Open Date
9/22/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant