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Jobs · Human Resources · Washington

Classification and Compensation Specialist

Central Washington University · Ellensburg, WA · 3 wk ago
On-siteHuman Resources$80k–$92k/yrFull-time

Central Washington University is recruiting a Classification and Compensation Specialist to join our Human Resources team in Ellensburg, Washington. This campus-based position plays a key role in enhancing the university’s vision and directly impacts the lives of students and staff.

About the University

Central Washington University is a dynamic community committed to Changing Students' Lives. As a mini-city spanning 380 acres, CWU offers robust academics, libraries, athletics, dining, recreation, housing, and health services for ~8,300 students. Recognized as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution and a recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, CWU fosters an inclusive environment where all identities thrive. Ellensburg, ranked #13 among the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S., provides a vibrant setting for work and life.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
  • Retirement and optional savings plans
  • Tuition assistance for employees and dependents
  • Local discounts and employee assistance program (individualized counseling)
  • Wellness incentive program

Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

Responsibilities

Classification & Compensation

  • Serve as a strategic consultant to leadership, supervisors, and HR on classification, compensation, organizational design, and workforce planning.
  • Provide expertise on position design, allocation, exemption status, and salary placement in compliance with laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Conduct job analyses, evaluate positions, and recommend classification and salary actions.
  • Review and assess requests for new positions, reallocations, and organizational changes; communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
  • Perform market pricing, benchmarking, and equity analyses to ensure competitive and fair compensation.
  • Maintain job descriptions, classification structures, and salary documentation.
  • Monitor internal equity and support recruitment, retention, and workforce planning goals.
  • Interpret policies, procedures, and legal requirements (RCWs, WACs, etc.) and provide training to stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations for university leadership.

Employee Services Support

  • Consult on employee relations, compliance, investigations, and organizational development.
  • Assist with conflict resolution, workplace investigations, grievances, and progressive discipline.
  • Support change management initiatives and foster employee engagement.
  • Advise on workforce planning, talent development, and performance management.
  • Build collaborative relationships and represent HR in meetings, hearings, and mediations.
  • Maintain knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance requirements.

Institutional Citizenship

  • Actively engage in the university community as a brand ambassador and culture keeper.
  • Serve on CWU committees, steering teams, or review panels representing HR.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three years of Human Resources experience, including one year in classification and compensation.
  • Experience applying employment-related HR laws and regulations.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Organizational and time-management skills to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and foster a supportive work environment.

OR an applicable combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • HR experience with a Washington State agency or institution of higher education.
  • Classification and compensation experience at a Washington State higher education institution.
  • HRCI (PHR/SPHR) or SHRM (SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) certification.
  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
  • Experience with HRIS systems such as PeopleSoft.
  • Labor relations experience.
  • Experience supporting a client base (managers, administrators, supervisors, and employees).
  • Broad-based professional HR experience.
  • Life experiences that align with CWU’s vision, mission, and values.
  • Ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into everyday conversations.

CWU encourages applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply, as the university values a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $80,000 - $92,000 annually, with individual placement based on experience, education, skills, and abilities. The full annual salary range is $66,273 to $96,097 per RCW 49.58.110.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (1-hour lunch).

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