Manager, Compensation & Benefits

AURA's mission is to provide innovative, open resources to enable discovery and excellence in research, to unify the astrophysics communities, and to promote public understanding of our universe and the benefits of science exploration. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

Essential Functions

Compensation Strategy & Administration

• Analyze performance and ensure equitable, consistent compensation strategies aligned with AURA's strategic objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Develop and maintain a classification structure with recommendations for Science and Non-Science positions.
• Design and implement strategies to ensure internal equity, market adjustments, and competitive salary analysis.
• Conduct market surveys and internal analysis to recommend compensation levels, salary ranges, and range placement.
• Lead the annual merit review process, including market analysis, recommendations, and implementation.
• Provide guidance on job analysis, compensation benchmarking, and FLSA compliance.
• Serve as a strategic compensation consultant and subject matter expert, advising on job evaluations, salary offers, and proactive, data-driven compensation planning.
• Consult and provide expert guidance on total rewards matters related to expats, Chilean nationals, and other workplace groups.

Benefits & Wellness Program Management

• Design and enhance benefits programs that align with AURA's strategic objectives and meet the needs of a multifaceted, dispersed, global workforce.
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers to ensure competitive, cost-effective programs.
• Oversee vendor relationships, ensuring smooth plan administration and execution of benefit changes.
• Evaluate and recommend benefit plan design changes to maintain innovation, competitiveness and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Retirement Plan Administrator to oversee employee retirement plans, resolve issues, and review distribution requests.
• Serve on the retirement plan oversight committee.
• Lead the open enrollment process, including education, communication and implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Leadership

• Partner with AURA key stakeholders, including center directors, leadership, and HR Business Partners, to develop and execute compensation-related initiatives that support organizational goals.
• Collaborate with, consult, and build strong relationships with key AURA stakeholders, colleagues, and team members to ensure effective execution of compensation and benefits strategies.
• Supervise and provide leadership to the Compensation & Benefits team, supporting professional development.

Reporting, Data Analytics & Compliance

• Collect, track, report and analyze relevant data to ensure efficacy of total rewards investments and make appropriate process improvements.
• Ensure proper management and control of AURA property within assigned areas, reporting any missing, stolen, or non-working assets.
• Maintain compliance with government award terms and conditions as defined in the Vela Award Management system.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations and requirements.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of direct experience in compensation and benefits, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Meaningful experience in compensation and benefits management, including but not limited to total rewards design, management, and administration, strategic planning, program design, vendor management, compensation and benefits education, and communications.
• Proven ability to appropriate industry practices and effective frameworks in compensation and benefits program management.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced proficiency in Excel or relevant dbase and data analytics applications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify process gaps and recommend solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Leadership & Communication

• Strong consultative skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations for all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop teams, including both direct and indirect reports.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate across various audiences, including multicultural, international, and multi-generational groups.

Preferences

One or more of the following certifications or related coursework is highly desirable:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Global Remuneration Professional (GRP)
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• Group Benefits Associate (GBA)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Certified Compensation Analyst (CCA)
• People Analytics & HR Metrics Certification

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified.

This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary Range

$119,000 - $136,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualification, experience and job location.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

How to Apply

Apply by April 2, 2025, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org