Senior Compensation Manager, CoStar Group – Arlington, VA

Who is CoStar Group?   

CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces.  Included in the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100, CoStar Group is on a mission to digitize the world’s real estate, empowering all people to discover properties, insights and connections that improve their businesses and lives.    

We have been living and breathing the world of real estate information and online marketplaces for over 35 years, giving us the perspective to create truly unique and valuable offerings to our customers.  We’ve continually refined, transformed and perfected our approach to our business, creating a language that has become standard in our industry, for our customers, and even our competitors.  We continue that effort today and are always working to improve and drive innovation.  This is how we deliver for our customers, our employees, and investors.  By equipping the brightest minds with the best resources available, we provide an invaluable edge in real estate.    

Role overview: Senior Compensation Manager 

Arlington, VA | In-office, Monday – Friday 

We are open to providing relocation support for the right candidate. 

CoStar Group is seeking a Senior Compensation Manager to lead Leads the design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs that are aligned with CoStar’s compensation philosophy and business objectives. Partners with leadership to ensure programs are competitive, equitable, performance-driven, and compliant, while driving high-quality execution of core compensation processes. 

This is a player/coach role with direct people management. The Senior Compensation Manager will set direction, coach and develop the team, and personally lead complex compensation initiatives that support CoStar Group’s scale, growth, and performance driven culture. 

Key Responsibilities 

Compensation Program Management 

• Design, implement, and administer base pay and incentive programs to support talent attraction, retention, and performance. 

• Ensure compensation programs are internally equitable and externally competitive through market benchmarking and analysis. 

• Develop and maintain salary structures, job architecture, and job leveling frameworks. 

Annual Compensation Processes 

• Lead the annual compensation cycle, including budgeting, merit planning, bonus planning, market adjustments, and promotions. 

• Partner with HRBPs to provide guidance to business leaders on compensation decisions aligned to pay for performance. 

Market Analysis & Insights 

• Manage participation in compensation surveys and benchmarking activities. 

• Analyze market trends and provide data-driven recommendations on pay strategy, salary ranges, and incentive design. 

• Research emerging compensation practices and assess applicability to the organization. 

Business Partnership 

• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to address compensation-related issues and initiatives. 

• Advise on complex compensation matters, including offers, promotions, and retention strategies. 

• Support cross-functional initiatives involving compensation, performance management, and workforce planning. 

Compliance & Governance 

• Ensure compliance with global, federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and governance standards. 

• Maintain working knowledge of applicable compensation-related legislation and regulatory requirements. 

Systems & Process Oversight 

• Support the administration and ongoing enhancement of compensation-related systems (e.g., HRIS). 

• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of compensation operations. 

Team Leadership 

• Manage and develop a team of compensation professionals. 

• Provide coaching, prioritization, and oversight to ensure high-quality deliverables and execution. 

Scope & Impact (Level Alignment) 

• Operates with significant autonomy within defined compensation philosophy and frameworks. 

• Leads enterprise-wide programs or major components of compensation processes (e.g., annual cycle, job architecture). 

• Provides recommendations to senior leadership. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Human Resources, or related field from an in person, not‑for‑profit college or university. 

• A track record of commitment to prior employers. 

• 8+ years of progressive experience in compensation with 3+ years at a large corporate organization. 

• 2+ years of experience managing and developing compensation professionals. 

• Strong analytical skills and experience with compensation data modeling and market analysis. 

• Knowledge of global compensation regulations and governance practices. 

• Experience managing compensation programs and leading annual pay processes in a complex organization. 

• Ability to effectively partner with managers and HR stakeholders by providing compensation analysis and guidance, while handling highly confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion and professionalism. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree or other graduate coursework in a related field. 

• Experience with Workday HRIS. 

• Experience operating in a global environment.  

• Experience with sales incentive plans and sales compensation structures. 

• Exposure to or interest in AI-enabled HR tools and technologies.  

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear executive level materials and presentations. 

What’s In It For You?   

If you are a driven professional looking for a high-growth, high-reward career, CoStar Group offers the ideal opportunity.  Be part of a best-in-class company with strong year-over-year growth that invests in your success. Enjoy a rewarding atmosphere where you can learn, excel, and grow.   

When you join CoStar Group, you’ll experience a collaborative and innovative culture working alongside the best and brightest to empower our people and customers to succeed.    

We offer you generous compensation and performance-based incentives. CoStar Group also invests in your professional and academic growth with internal training and tuition reimbursement.  

Our benefits package includes (but is not limited to):    

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Medical / Vision / Dental / Prescription Drug   

• Life, legal, and supplementary insurance   

• Virtual and in person mental health counseling services for individuals and family   

• Commuter and parking benefits   

• 401(K) retirement plan with matching contributions   

• Employee stock purchase plan   

• Paid time off   

• Tuition reimbursement   

• On-site fitness center and/or reimbursed fitness center membership costs (location dependent)   

• Access to CoStar Group’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Employee Resource Groups   

• Complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and other healthy snacks   

Sponsorship   

We welcome all qualified candidates who are currently eligible to work full-time in the United States to apply. However, please note that CoStar Group is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.