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Compensation Associate

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $65,000–$70,000 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a compensation audit you performed. What did you find?

What they are checking: Whether they have real audit experience and can spot meaningful patterns in pay data.

Tell me about a time you served as a consultant to HR partners or managers.

What they are checking: Whether they can advise others, which the posting describes as a core part of the role.

What would you do

A manager wants to give an employee a big raise to keep them from leaving. How do you advise them?

What they are checking: Whether they balance retention needs with internal equity and policy.

How do you explain a compensation decision to someone who is unhappy with it?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate clearly and respectfully while holding to the decision.

How do you balance being externally competitive with fiscal responsibility?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the university's stated goals and can reason through tradeoffs.

About the work

How do you price a job using market survey data?

What they are checking: Whether they understand job matching, survey sources and how to set a market-based range.

How would you check for pay equity issues across a department?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to compare pay fairly across gender, race and similar roles.

Tell me about a time you used Excel or a data tool to analyze pay.

What they are checking: Whether they have the analytical skills the posting names as essential.

How do you make sure job classifications are applied consistently across a large university?

What they are checking: Whether they understand job architecture and why consistency matters for fairness.

How do you stay current on pay laws, such as pay transparency and FLSA rules?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up with legal changes that affect compensation practice.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department OPS HR - University Compensation and Performance About the Department UChicago Human Resources is dedicated to building institutional capacity to advance the University's mission in providing excellence in education, research and innovation. UChicago Compensation leads the design and implementation of broad-based compensation activities for University staff. We partner together with HR Community members to ensure pay decisions are externally competitive and internally equitable, promote pay for performance, and encourage fiscal responsibility.UChicago Compensation leads the design and implementation of broad-based compensation activities for University staff. We partner together with HR Community members to ensure pay decisions are externally competitive and internally equitable, promote pay for performance, and encourage fiscal responsibility. Job Summary Reporting to the Compensation and Performance Management Manager, the Compensation Associate serves as a consultant to the broader HR Community throughout campus. Administers compensation policies, processes, and governance. Proven analytical and communication capabilities to enable the delivery of impactful and effective compensation programs. Responsibilities • Administers compensation policies, processes, and governance. Performs various compensation audits. • Participates in market data surveys. Expands and maintains market data portfolio and library. • Contributes to the job evaluation process, including facilitating internal peer reviews and external competitive assessments. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as human resources, finance, or business administration. Experience: • Previous experience in a decentralized environment. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Demonstrated technology experience in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, such as vlookups, pivot tables, data visualization, etc. • Workday experience. Preferred Competencies • Customer service orientation and communication skills. • Utilize critical thinking skills to draw conclusions / solve problems. • Project management skills and work and learn independently. • Demonstrates high level of professionalism and personal integrity. • Presentation, consultation, and group facilitation skills. Working Conditions • Remote work schedule. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) • References Contact Information (3)(preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family University Human Resources Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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