SUMMARY

Richmond Public Schools believes that competitive, equitable, and transparent compensation is essential to attracting and retaining exceptional employees. The Compensation Specialist serves as the division's lead technical expert in compensation administration, classification, and salary analysis. Reporting to the Manager of Total Rewards, this position leads the day-to-day administration of the division's compensation program, develops data-driven recommendations, and partners with leaders across the organization to ensure compensation practices are equitable, compliant, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the division's strategic priorities. This position exercises a high degree of independent judgment and serves as a trusted resource on complex compensation matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates the administration and continuous improvement of the division's compensation program, ensuring consistency, equity, and compliance across all employee groups.
• Leads job evaluations, classification reviews, compensation studies, and salary analyses to support organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning.
• Conducts market benchmarking and competitive salary analyses to strengthen the division's ability to recruit and retain exceptional talent.
• Develops recommendations regarding salary placement, position reclassifications, pay equity adjustments, stipends, supplements, and organizational restructuring.
• Serves as the division's technical expert on compensation policies, salary administration, classification methodology, and applicable employment laws.
• Partners with Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, Labor Relations, and district leaders to develop and implement compensation solutions that support operational and strategic priorities.
• Coordinates the development and maintenance of salary schedules, compensation guidelines, position control records, and related documentation.
• Analyzes workforce, compensation, and labor market data to identify trends, evaluate organizational needs, and inform executive decision-making.
• Supports the annual budget process by preparing salary projections, compensation models, and workforce planning analyses.
• Develops reports, dashboards, and presentations that translate complex compensation data into meaningful information for district leadership.
• Reviews proposed organizational changes and provides compensation and classification recommendations that support efficient organizational design.
• Identifies opportunities to modernize compensation processes through automation, technology, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitors changes in federal, state, and local laws affecting compensation practices and recommends updates to policies, procedures, and practices.
• Provides guidance and technical expertise to administrators regarding compensation policies, salary placement, and classification decisions.
• Oversees and evaluates the work of assigned personnel by providing coaching, training, and performance feedback to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Maintains the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive employee, salary, and organizational information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Math, Finance, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in compensation, classification, finance, payroll, or workforce analytics.
• Experience in public education or another large, complex organization.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Professional certification, such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Availability to participate in evening and weekend events. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment requiring responsiveness to urgent employee needs. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, HRIS platforms, payroll systems, and data visualization or reporting tools.
• Frequent collaboration and relationship building across internal teams and with external agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES   

• Comprehensive knowledge of compensation administration, classification systems, salary structures, and pay equity principles.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws governing compensation and wage administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in job evaluation methodologies, market pricing, and workforce analytics.
• Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently on highly technical and sensitive assignments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex compensation concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves frequent sitting, talking, and hearing, as well as the use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop or crouch. Visual acuity is required for reading, preparing documents, viewing a computer screen, and performing administrative functions with accuracy and attention to detail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office setting within a school or district administrative environment. The position involves minimal exposure to environmental hazards or physical risks. Tasks are carried out in a climate-controlled workspace with access to necessary technology and resources. The work is detail-oriented and deadline-driven, often involving multiple priorities and frequent interactions with staff, students, families, and community partners. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings or community engagement events.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable.  Three references names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process.  Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.