Company Overview:
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy organization committed to strengthening, reforming, and—when necessary—defending the foundations of American democracy and justice.
In today’s pivotal political and social climate, the Center plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and the core principles of constitutional democracy. Its work spans key areas such as voting rights, campaign finance reform, criminal justice reform, and the protection of civil liberties, all while promoting national security.
Position Overview:
The Brennan Center for Justice is seeking a skilled and committed Compensation and Benefits Manager to join its Human Resources team. Based in New York City and reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this position plays a key role in overseeing and executing all aspects of the Center’s compensation and benefits strategy. The manager will partner closely with hiring managers, senior leadership, recruiters, and other HR professionals to ensure that compensation and benefits programs are both competitive and aligned with organizational values and objectives.
This individual will be responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of compensation structures and employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and that offerings are attractive to a diverse and talented workforce. The ideal candidate will analyze salary data and benefits trends to recommend market-aligned, equitable compensation practices and strategic enhancements.
The role requires a proactive and analytical thinker who is comfortable collaborating across teams, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to broader organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
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Develop, maintain, and implement compensation strategies that align with the organization’s mission and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
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Conduct salary benchmarking, compensation analysis, and job evaluations to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.
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Design and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and leave policies.
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Administer compensation programs including merit increases, promotions, and incentive plans.
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Collaborate with HR and management to create and maintain accurate job descriptions and conduct regular job audits.
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Oversee day-to-day benefits administration and ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA).
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Provide consultative support and training to managers and HR staff on compensation and benefits-related matters.
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Generate reports and present data-driven insights on compensation and benefits trends and metrics to senior leadership.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Organizational Psychology, or a related field required; an advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCP, SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred.
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Minimum of 5 years of experience in compensation and/or benefits management.
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At least 3 years of hands-on experience administering employee benefits, including health and welfare plans, retirement, voluntary benefits, and leaves of absence.
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Strong knowledge of employment laws and compliance requirements related to compensation and benefits (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA).
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Background in finance or statistical analysis is highly desirable.
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Proficiency with HRIS platforms (preferably Paycom) and compensation management software such as PayFactors or similar tools.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, v-lookups, data modeling); familiarity with data visualization tools is a plus.
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Experience conducting and analyzing employee satisfaction and engagement surveys.
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Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex compensation data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams and leadership.