Compensation Program Manager

Shape a Compensation Strategy That Supports Discovery, Innovation, and People.

At Van Andel Institute, we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional support. Our Total Rewards team helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, recognized, and empowered to do their best work in service of our mission.

We're seeking an experienced Compensation Program Manager to serve as our compensation expert and trusted advisor. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, you'll lead compensation strategy and partner with leaders across the Institute to design programs that are equitable, competitive, and aligned with organizational goals.

If you're energized by using data to solve meaningful challenges, influence strategic decisions, and create exceptional employee experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do?

As the Compensation Program Manager, you'll lead the organization's compensation strategy while serving as a trusted consultant to leaders across the Institute. You'll use market intelligence, analytics, and sound judgment to develop programs that attract, retain, and reward exceptional talent.

This is more than compensation administration. You'll influence organizational decisions by:

• Leading compensation strategy, salary structures, and job architecture.
• Driving annual merit planning, compensation budgeting, and incentive programs.
• Providing trusted guidance on pay decisions, career progression, and market competitiveness.
• Using data and market insights to ensure equitable, competitive, and compliant pay practices.
• Partnering with HR, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and leadership to shape the employee experience.
• Supporting executive compensation, workforce planning, and strategic organizational growth.

What You'll Bring

You’re a collaborative, analytical leader with:

• 7–10 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Expertise in compensation strategy, market pricing, merit planning, and pay equity.
• Experience with incentive compensation; executive compensation experience is a plus.
• Strong consulting, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced analytical skills, including Excel and HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
• The ability to turn complex data into thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification preferred.

You'll Thrive Here If You:

• Enjoy building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor.
• Lead with curiosity and continuously seek better ways of working.
• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Make thoughtful, data-informed decisions.
• Value collaboration over competition.
• Care deeply about creating fair, equitable, and meaningful employee experiences.
• Find purpose in supporting an organization dedicated to improving human health through research and education.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for , effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills

YOUR NEXT STEPS!

If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas and you want to join us in building compensation programs that recognize excellence, support growth, and help exceptional people make an extraordinary impact.

The first step is to start your application.

Please submit the following as one single PDF document via our online application:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter outlining why this role resonates with you and how it aligns with your values and goals. We read every application and want to understand not just your experience, but what draws you to this work.
• 3 References (names, how you know them, email and phone number) – Please note: we will not reach out to your references without informing you first.

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

About Grand Rapids, MI 

Van Andel Institute is in downtown  in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River,  offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.