Compensation Specialist

Equity Residential • Chicago, IL

10d • $71,000 - $86,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Compensation Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration and coordination of the organization's compensation and recognition programs. This role ensures that all compensation processes are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations to deliver exceptional HR services. Additionally, the individual will participate in ad-hoc HR projects and conduct market research to identify best practices, enhancing the organization's HR strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in HR Operations, with a focus on compensation administration.
• Experience coordinating HR projects and conducting market research.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (including advanced functions such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools).
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations related to compensation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Participate in salary surveys, market analyses, and industry research to ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices. Interpret results and provide recommendations to management.
• Administer the recognition program, including processing awards and creating reports to track usage and trends.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, guidelines, and training materials. Draft clear and consistent employee communications to ensure understanding of programs, policies, and upcoming initiatives.
• Partner with HRIT and other stakeholders to support system testing, audits, and data governance activities.
• Support the annual compensation planning cycle, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Assist in administering executive and employee programs such as the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP).
• Collaborate with HR and business partners on projects such as policy development, process redesign, and new program launches.
• Participate in audits and recommend process improvements to reduce risk.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision care
• 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Paid Community Service Hours
• Leadership Development
• comprehensive wellness program
• pet insurance
• paid time off for community service projects
• Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees