Compensation Program Manager

As Compensation Program Manager, you will be responsible for managing the agency’s classification and compensation programs, ensuring internal equity, market competitiveness, and compliance with applicable regulations.  You will research market data, conduct and respond to salary surveys.  You will maintain job descriptions, conduct position classifications, and develop job ladders.  You will also assess pay offers, benchmark internal pay practices, and analyze fringe benefits to support fair and transparent compensation practices.

Job Descriptions & Position Classification

• Develop, maintain, and update job descriptions to accurately reflect duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
• Conduct job analyses and position classifications to ensure appropriate job titles, levels, and pay bands.
• Collaborate with department managers to evaluate new and existing roles for proper classification.

Compensation & Banding

• Design and maintain salary bands and pay structures aligned with agency policies and market standards.
• Ensure compensation practices comply with state and federal regulations, including FLSA.
• Conduct equity reviews and recommend pay adjustments to address internal disparities.

Job Ladders & Career Progression

• Develop career progression frameworks, including job ladders and pathways for employees.
• Assist in creating promotional criteria and skills-based development plans.
• Partner with HR and leadership to support talent retention and succession planning.

Pay Offers & Market Analysis

• Assess pay offers for new hires and internal promotions to ensure alignment with agency compensation structures.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking studies to evaluate agency competitiveness, including data related to labor contract negotiations.
• Recommend salary adjustments based on labor market trends and budgetary constraints.
• Oversee and manage the merit component of performance management.

Fringe Benefits & Total Rewards Analysis

• Evaluate and compare fringe benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other incentives.
• Assist in the development of total rewards strategies to enhance employee engagement.
• Provide recommendations to leadership on benefit enhancements and cost-effectiveness.

Compliance & Reporting

• Manage agency salary surveys and respond to survey requests. Ensure compliance with public sector compensation laws, collective bargaining agreements, and civil service rules.
• Prepare reports and presentations on compensation trends, pay equity, and classification findings.
• Support audits, surveys, and data requests related to compensation programs.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in compensation management.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of job evaluation methodologies, FLSA, and compensation best practices.
• Familiar with compensation benchmark surveys and market data sources.
• Knowledge of various compensation plans and practices.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust.  Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and compensation tools.
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers, supervisor, the public, and others.
• Effective written and oral communications that are timely, relevant, concise, and clearly outline necessary actions.
• Ability to interpret and apply employment laws and agency policies.
• Ability to think critically, identify strengths and weaknesses and alternate solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Presenting technical and non-technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CCP, SHRM CP/SCP or HRCI PHR/SPHR.
• Experience with collective bargaining and civil service classifications.
• Familiar with public sector compensation structures and job evaluation tools.

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.  You may be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally.  Occasional travel for meetings and training may be required.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Priority review given to applications received by 10/7/25.
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.