Classification & Compensation Specialist - 2 Positions

Primary Function

NIU currently has openings for two Classification and Compensation Specialists. Under direct supervision from the Human Resource Assistant Manager for Classification & Compensation, the incumbent serves as a Classification & Compensation professional in the Human Resource (HR) Operations work group, in the Strategic Talent Management ( STM ) unit. This position is responsible for assisting with the University’s employment program by determining the appropriate employment types and classifications for positions and recommending pay rates for employees. In addition, this position will implement Human Resource & Affirmative Action programs and procedures that will support the operational needs of the University, while assuring compliance with University and BOT policies and procedures and state and federal regulations, including the State Universities Civil Service System ( SUCSS ). The position requires extensive contact with internal and external hiring departments, agencies, and other administrative personnel.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

1. Performs the classification function for full- and part-time staff, full-time faculty and adjunct faculty positions by providing guidance and assistance to the assigned departments/colleges/divisions including reviewing and approving various employment requests (provides determinations regarding whether positions should be classified as Civil Service, Supportive Professional Staff, Instructor; exempt or non-exempt, based upon employment laws, policies and procedures; etc.), preparing applicable documents, through the online position management system. Reviews position change requests (funding changes; job description updates, etc.). Conducts position audits and reviews job descriptions for classification purposes. Carries out the policies & procedures of the State Universities Civil Service System ( SUCSS ) relative to classification/compensation for Civil Service positions. Interprets and disseminates information from SUCSS statutes and rules as well as University policies and procedures. Codes paperwork to reflect changes to current appointments. Recommends alternate classifications, provides related recommendations relative to pay within the context of the campus community and comparable institutions. Responsible for reviewing proposed changes to classifications and developing civil service intern programs. Reviews job descriptions to ensure accuracy and completeness.

2. Advises departments regarding policies/procedures related to additional payments, overloads, administrative increments, grant-funded positions, off-cycle pay increases, and processes appropriate to personnel changes submitted by departments. Reviews and makes recommendations regarding compensation requests, including exceptions to starting above the minimum of the range, temporary salary adjustments, temporary upgrades, and off-cycle salary adjustments. This includes looking at market and equity.

3. Counsels various constituents (administrators, supervisors, employees, and applicants) on both internal and external (AA/ EEO, SUCSS, CMS, SURS, etc.) policies and procedures. This includes policies and procedures related to hiring, probationary periods, promotions, and other personnel actions. Carries out the policies & procedures of the State Universities Civil Service System ( SUCSS ) relative to classification/compensation for Civil Service positions. Interprets and disseminates information from SUCSS statutes and rules, as well as University policies and procedures.

4. Administers various classification-related policies, FLSA, salary equity studies, etc. Works with Civil Service Testing staff [VW3] to ensure SUCSS policies and procedures are carried out. Trains departments/colleges/divisions on employment-related topics and process. Assists in developing and implementing operational policies and procedures relating to classification/compensation. Assists with implementing new policy/procedural changes consistent with governmental/statutory requirements. Composes correspondence regarding procedure and policy changes as needed.

5. Works with other units within STM, HRS and across campus on personnel matters and determines when to relay inquiries directly to this unit based upon the nature of the question. Assists with designing manuals and brochures related to Classification & Compensation and Employment in general. Responds timely and corresponds with departments/colleges/divisions. Attends team meetings. Participates on department/unit, university, state-wide committees and professional organizations.

Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. Any one or any combination of the following types of preparation:
   1. credit for college training leading to a major or concentration in personnel administration, business administration, or closely related fields (such as labor relations)
   2. credit for college training leading to a major or concentration in fields other than those described in “A”
   3. work experience as a personnel professional
      that totals 1.0 unit according to the following conversion rates:
      • Bachelor’s degree (or 120 semester hours) of “A” = 1.0 unit
      • Bachelor’s degree (or 120 semester hours) of “B” = 0.75 unit1
      • 4 years of “C” = 1.0 unit
      
      
      
2. Two years of professional personnel experience in the classification/compensation area in addition to the training/experience required in #1 above.

A Master’s degree in personnel administration, business administration, or closely related fields (such as labor relations) or a Master’s degree with a concentration in these fields may be substituted for one year of such experience.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

Must be familiar with employment, classification and compensation policies and procedures. Possess knowledge of procedures for processing related employment forms. Knowledge, understanding and ability to interpret policies pertaining to employment, classification and compensation.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

1. knowledge of standard principles and procedures used in the area of classification/compensation and ability to apply those used in complex technical operations in the area
2. knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations related to classification/compensation; ability to learn those of the employing institution
3. skill in organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data used in classification/compensation
4. skill in working with managers, staff, and the public in the area of classification/compensation
5. skill in writing and editing reports and other material in the area of classification/compensation
6. Supervisory ability
7. ability to assist in the formulation/revision of policies and procedures in the area of classification/compensation

Working Hours
M-F 8-4:30; some nights and weekends required.
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
$3,000.00/month
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
10/08/2021
Closing Date
10/31/2021
Priority Review Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position, however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.
• If you have education and/or training in excess of what is required, we encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this particular position.
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• We STRONGLY recommend that contact information used in your online profile be personal use, not professional/work information: personal email address, home address, and phone numbers. The information you provide is used to make contact on search updates, department referrals and interviews, etc. We must be able to relay sensitive and important information in a way that protects your privacy concerning job search activity, now and in the future.
• ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE SCHEDULED TO COME TO THE NIU DEKALB CAMPUS TO TAKE A STATE UNIVERSITIES CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION . At the time of testing, you will be required to present a photo ID. NOTE : If you have previously tested for this classification and wish to rewrite the exam to improve your score and register position, please contact the Civil Service Testing Office by the posting deadline.
• Required documentation noted in the posting such as driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be presented at the time of examination.
• If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application in order to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• After testing of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
• Click on Classification and Compensation Specialist for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Application Procedures

Required application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 professional references

Link to Department Homepage
www.hr.niu.edu
Physical Demands

Regular office related duties

Sitting for extended periods of time

Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time

Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.
EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59324
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
   • Yes
   • No
2. If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable
3. * What is your highest level of completed education?
   • High School/GED
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree
   • PhD
4. * How many years of professional personnel experience in classification/compensation do you possess?
   • 0-2 years
   • 2-4 years
   • 4-6 years
   • 6+ years
5. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * Please rate your level of professional work experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Benefits off or comparable experience.
   • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
   • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
   • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
7. * Describe your human resource work experience.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)
5. Other