Compensation Planner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Compensation Analyst

Industry: Higher Education

Location (City, State): Washington, DC

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $90,000–$95,000 annually (depending on experience)

Work Schedule: Hybrid schedule with three days onsite each week (including Tuesdays) and two onsite days per week during periods when students are not on campus. Standard 35-hour workweek.

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About Our Client:

Addison Group is hiring on behalf of our client, a well-established private research university in the Washington, DC area. Our client is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative work environment, offering employees the opportunity to support meaningful initiatives that impact higher education.

Job Description:

Our client is seeking a Compensation Analyst to join its Total Rewards team. This position plays an integral role in administering compensation programs, evaluating jobs, analyzing market data, and supporting organizational compensation initiatives. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with compensation data, advising business partners on pay-related matters, and providing analytical recommendations that support equitable and competitive compensation practices. This role collaborates closely with Human Resources and department leaders to ensure compensation programs align with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate staff positions to determine appropriate job classifications, compensation levels, and FLSA status.
• Review and analyze job descriptions to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Partner with HR and department leaders to support new positions, reclassifications, reorganizations, promotions, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking using market surveys and salary data to assess external competitiveness.
• Manage annual salary survey participation and maintain compensation market data within compensation management systems.
• Analyze compensation trends, pay equity, and internal salary relationships while preparing reports and recommendations.
• Audit HR compensation data to maintain accuracy across HR systems.
• Support annual compensation activities, including merit increases, equity reviews, and other compensation planning initiatives.
• Participate in HR projects involving compensation program enhancements, system updates, reporting, and process improvements.
• Provide guidance to managers and HR partners regarding compensation policies, salary recommendations, and pay administration.
• Assist with compensation-related training, documentation, and communication efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 2–4+ years of professional compensation experience required.
• Human Resources Generalist experience is acceptable with demonstrated compensation knowledge.
• Experience conducting market pricing, compensation benchmarking, and salary survey analysis.
• Ability to interpret compensation data and provide independent pay recommendations.
• Working knowledge of compensation regulations, including FLSA, pay equity, and wage and hour compliance.
• Experience supporting compensation projects such as annual merit cycles, salary structure updates, or compensation policy initiatives.
• Proficiency with Workday and MarketPay is strongly preferred; comparable HRIS and compensation systems will also be considered.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis functions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Higher education experience is a plus.

Additional Details:

• Department: Total Rewards and Service Delivery
• Reports to the Director of Compensation
• Team of four compensation professionals
• Position available due to employee career advancement
• Target start date: End of July/Early August
• Interview process includes one virtual panel interview followed by one onsite interview

Perks:

• Hybrid work environment
• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to contribute to strategic compensation initiatives
• Collaborative HR team with opportunities for professional growth
• Exposure to enterprise-wide compensation projects and organizational planning

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.