Senior Compensation Analyst (Fixed-Term, 6 Months)

The Senior Compensation Analyst position will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing our organization’s compensation strategies. This is a temporary, full-time position with a fixed duration of six (6) months and no current option for permanent employment. Reporting directly to the Manager of Compensation and Benefits, the Senior Compensation Analyst will be instrumental in developing and implementing compensation frameworks and initiatives that reward, motivate and retain AURA employees. This includes management of the market data system, ad hoc and annual compensation reviews, pay adjustments, and market analyses to ensure AURA’s offerings are competitive, equitable and fair across our multi-state and global organization.

Essential Functions

• Perform compensation data analysis including researching, collecting, organizing, modeling, analyzing, validating, interpreting, and preparing analysis and recommendations with high attention to detail.
• Uphold and participate in the updating of the structural integrity of job architecture, collaborating and documenting job descriptions, job evaluations and leveling, and classifications.
• Participate in determining salary structure creation and update maintenance.
• Prepare compensation models using Excel or other compensation tools to analyze data and develop reports for presentation to internal clients.
• Collaborate with Hiring Managers, HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition and other relevant partners to conduct thorough compensation assessments for job offers that ensure appropriate internal equity, fairness and market attractiveness.
• Understand business priorities and participate in developing compensation solutions aligned with those needs.
• Participate in national and global salary surveys, leveraging insights to maintain our competitive edge. Recommend and communicate insights and trends that may be implemented in accordance with federal contract structures and regulations.
• Assist with the annual merit and equity cycle for all centers, partnering with internal clients on process, system setup, communications, implementation, equity analysis, and close out reporting.
• Develop presentation and training material for compensation initiatives, using presentation, graphics and other visual tools to effectively communicate and tell the story of the data.
• Educate and engage key stakeholders, including the HR team, AURA staff, management and leadership.
• Participate, and occasionally coach and mentor others or lead internal compensation projects.
• Recommend updates to compensation policies and practices, contributing to the continuous improvement of compensation practices, processes and guidelines.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses to guide the development of innovative compensation programs and initiatives.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance/accounting, business administration or a related field.
• 5+ years related experience in HR, Compensation or Talent Acquisition demonstrating a solid understanding of strategic compensation principles, program design and processes in a multi-state and global organization.
• Familiar with US federal, state, and local labor laws and global business practices.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient in Excel, HRIS databases, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication, detail-oriented, critical and strategic thinking skills and a collaborative team player.
• Independent, proactive, and ethical behavior are required; must handle confidential and private information with the highest discretion
• Capable of prioritizing multiple competing assignments and being well organized.
• Must be client oriented and demonstrated ability to align solutions and services with business priorities.

Desired

• UKG and Power BI, PayScale, Comp Analyst or other relevant compensation system
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or classes towards certification
• Human Resources Certification is desired but not required
• Understanding of relevant accounting, finance and statistics principles
• Experience in government-contracted and/or academic organizations, preferred but not required
• Experience with Chilean or other international labor laws and HR practices

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.

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

$89,000 - $110,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan 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 January 15, 2026, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF fines preferred.

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