Compensation and Benefits Manager

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

Position Overview 
The Brennan Center for Justice is looking for a dedicated Compensation and Benefits Manager. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources (HR), this role will involve collaborating with hiring managers, recruiters, senior leaders, and other HR personnel to manage the daily operations of all benefit programs and to provide primary support in the area of benefits and compensation. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in the implementation and administration of compensation policies and programs, ensuring they align with market rates and maintain internal equity. 

This position will oversee the development and implementation of the Brennan Center’s compensation and benefits programs and policies, ensuring they are effective, compliant, and appealing to a diverse workforce. The manager will design, implement, and oversee strategies aimed at attracting and retaining top talent by ensuring that the compensation and benefits packages are competitive with industry standards and meet the needs of employees. 

The ideal candidate will analyze market data to benchmark salaries and benefits, design competitive pay structures, and recommend adjustments to ensure that the organization remains competitive in the job market. Additionally, the candidate will be proactive, analytical, and comfortable collaborating across teams to achieve the organization's overall strategic goals. 

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.  

Essential Job Functions 

• Develop and implement compensation strategies and structures that align with our goals and comply with legal requirements. 

• Conduct regular salary surveys and market research to ensure competitive compensation practices. 

• Design and manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. 

• Analyze compensation data and trends to make informed decisions on salary adjustments, bonuses, and incentives. 

• Collaborate with HR and management to develop job descriptions and perform job evaluations. 

• Oversee the administration of employee benefits, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficient delivery. 

• Provide guidance and support to HR and management on compensation and benefits-related issues. 

• Prepare and present reports on compensation and benefits metrics to senior management. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, Finance or relevant field; advanced degree or additional certification preferred. 

• 5 years of experience in compensation and/or benefits management preferred 

• Demonstrated and relevant benefits & human resource experience working with benefit programs such as health & welfare, retirement, other voluntary benefits, and leaves of absence; 3 years of experience preferred. 

• Background in finance and statistical analysis is preferred 

• Extensive knowledge of benefits and compensation programs, policies, procedures, and applicable legislation. Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employee benefits, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, and COBRA. Extensive knowledge of laws related to compensation and benefits. 

• Strong understanding of HRIS systems and compensation management tools and the ability to support integration and data accuracy. Specific knowledge of Paycom and compensation software such as PayFactors, or similar tools is essential.  

• Experience with employee satisfaction surveys 

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products, advanced Excel skills a plus to use spreadsheet, word processing, e-mail and HR software 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, vlookups, data modeling) for compensation analysis and reporting.  

• Familiarity with data visualization tools is preferred.  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and interpret and present complex compensation data to various stakeholders.  

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining compensation concepts to non-experts and collaborating with HR, Talent Acquisition, and organization senior management and to develop strong relationships with benefits providers. 

• Good listening skills, with high levels of attention to detail. 

• Project and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively.  

• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity in handling sensitive data with discretion. 

• Ability to work as part of a team and achieve team goals and targets 

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.  

Applications 
Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified. To apply, please visit <> and upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references. Internal applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered.   We prefer applications to be submitted through our website.  

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Compensation and Benefits Manager” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Please no calls or faxes. 

Compensation and Benefits 
The salary range assigned for this position is $110,000-$120,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, education, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000