Senior Compensation Specialist​/Senior Human Resources Professional

Working/Functional Title

Senior Compensation Specialist

Michigan State University is seeking a skilled and experienced HR professional to serve as an expert in compensation and classification; in supporting organizations and leadership in meeting university strategic initiatives and complying with policy and contractual requirements. This position supports compensation initiatives through job evaluation, classification reviews, compensation administration, evaluating salary and pay equity concerns, processing pay-related transactions, maintaining classification and pay structures, organizational reviews, and policy interpretation and consultation to units across the university.

The role partners closely with HR colleagues, departmental leadership, employee and labor relations professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure compensation practices align with university policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

The salary range for this position is fixed at $75,000 – $80,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 1 day per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

• Conduct position reviews, desk audits, and reclassification analyses to evaluate changes in duties, organizational structure, and workforce needs.
• Assess job duties and responsibilities to determine appropriate classification assignment and FLSA exemption status.
• Collaborate with department leaders and HR partners to gather information and develop well-supported classification recommendations.
• Communicate classification decisions, recommendations, and supporting rationale to stakeholders across the university.
• Administer university compensation programs, including annual salary increase processes, progression increases, longevity pay programs, and minimum wage adjustments.
• Conduct comprehensive market analyses of university positions, matching job duties and scope to appropriate salary survey benchmarks to ensure accurate compensation comparisons.
• Participate in national and regional compensation surveys, including job matching, data submission, and validation of incumbent data prior to submittal.
• Analyze survey results and market data to determine percentile positioning, market ratios, and competitiveness of university pay ranges.
• Translate market data findings into clear, actionable recommendations for pay range adjustments, position pricing, and salary equity analysis.
• Maintain and update university pay structures and salary ranges to support consistent and compliant compensation practices.
• Review and process pay change and additional pay requests, ensuring appropriate approvals, documentation, and policy compliance.
• Consult with departments on salary equity, compression, competitiveness, organizational structures, and compensation-related concerns.
• Review and maintain the university's classification catalog, including the creation, revision, and retirement of classifications as organizational needs evolve.
• Partner with Employee and Labor Relations, HR Information Technology, and other stakeholders on compensation-related bargaining agreement implementation, grievance matters, system enhancements, and special projects.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze positions, administer compensation programs, and apply…