Director of - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office

Join NORC as our new Director of Compensation! NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Director of Compensation to be responsible for developing, implementing, administering, and evaluating compensation programs across the organization and providing effective and competitive compensation packages that are aligned with NORC’s objectives for recruiting, retention, and employee engagement.

The Director of Compensation will work closely with the NORC People team, NORC business leaders and managers, and external consultants to analyze the impact of a wide range of compensation options. The Director of Compensation will own the full job architecture and governance, be the champion and expert for the compensation programs throughout the organization and externally and support the advancement of the program design.

Please note:

This position will have a hybrid work schedule of two days a week in our Chicago Loop office.

The NORC People department supports NORC's mission and values by collaborating with research, operations, and administrative departments to recruit, develop, and retain top staff. Because NORC is a government contractor, the NORC People team plays a large role ensuring that all staff information and systems remain secure and that our organization is fully compliant with our policies. NORC People is responsible for talent acquisition, hiring, benefits administration, employee relations matters, and performance evaluation programs to ensure our organization is maintaining compliance while keeping employees’ best interests in mind.

• Develop and implement compensation strategies: Create and manage compensation strategies, job roles, titles, salary ranges, job ladders or career paths, compensation budgets and guidelines.
• Advise managers and leaders on making effective pay decisions that support employee engagement, internal equity, and comply with compensation policy and budgetary guidelines.
• Evaluate jobs and develop and maintain job descriptions: job architecture, job classifications and salary scales; evaluate and implement job analysis tools, techniques, and materials.
• Administer and track special pay transactions, including extra service pay, spot awards, bonuses, employee recognition and ensure proper approval protocols.
• Conduct market research: Perform salary benchmarking and market analysis to ensure the company's pay is competitive for various roles and recommend changes based on findings. Participate in compensation surveys.
• Design compensation programs: Develop and administer base pay structures, salary bands, and variable pay programs like bonuses and incentives. Collaborate with managers and leaders to establish new positions and ranges within career ladders.
• Ensure legal compliance: Stay up to date on federal, state, and local laws and regulations to ensure all compensation plans are compliant. Ensure state and local minimum wage compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Serve as subject matter expert and advisor for NORC People team members and senior leadership to provide compensation strategy and guidance on offers, promotions, retention, and the annual performance and merit cycle.
• Analyze data and report: Use data analysis to monitor pay equity, track trends, and produce reports for management on total rewards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience developing, administering, and supporting compensation programs.
• Minimum of 3 years in people management.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is preferred
• Deep understanding of compensation practices, job structuring, benchmarking methodologies, market analysis, pay equity and transparency requirements
• Advanced Excel skills in data gathering and reporting from multiple sources and putting together visual data presentation
• A consultative approach with our business leaders is preferred
• Knowledge of HRIS systems (ADP a plus)
• Must be able to work independently and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated…