Competition Number: J0426-0076
Position Title: Academic Compensation Specialist
Position Number (Final): 00110526
Vacancy Type: Existing Position
Employee Group: Support Staff
Job Category: Human Resources and Equity
Department or Area: Human Resources
Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)
Salary: $78,796.00 - $97,774.00/Year
Grade: 09
Hours per Week: 35
Job Type: Permanent (Continuing)
Shift: 7 Monday - Friday
Number Of Positions: 1
Date Posted: May 28, 2026
Closing Date: June 14, 2026
Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
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Disclaimer: As part of the application process at Queen's University, our recruitment system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), as defined under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, to ask job-related questions and confirm eligibility for hire. All final hiring decisions are made using non-AI related processes.
Reporting to the Manager, Academic Compensation and Special Projects, the Academic Compensation Specialist participates in the planning, development and implementation of new and existing academic compensation initiatives. The incumbent will research and interpret academic compensation trends and practices, used to administer faculty appointment and compensation systems. The Academic Compensation Specialist will develop and maintain academic compensation programs and materials, and act as a resource, liaison and communicator providing compensation expertise.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Administer the academic salary and performance assessment systems consistently and equitably. Consult with, advise and lead Faculty administrators. Discuss, advise, and suggest appropriate modifications, interpret policy and collective agreements in order to support the academic appointment process.
- Maintain, update and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data contained within University information systems and within specialized academic compensation programs, databases and files.
- Monitor and guide appointments excluded from union membership, with particular emphasis on temporary senior academic executives leaving and returning to the faculty bargaining unit.
- Participate in determining the strategic direction and planning of academic compensation practices for the University; lead the implementation of new compensation initiatives.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on compensation and related academic programs and policies including in-depth analysis of academic compensation models, market data; gap analysis; identify academic trends and assess impact on the University’s policies and programs; conduct research and surveys as needed; make recommendations based on analysis and costing implications; prepare reports and presentations. Responsible for keeping up-to-date and/or improving documentation of academic compensation processes.
- Assume project leadership role as designated by the Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). Projects may have implications for the department and/or University. Lead annual projects (e.g. external reporting, surveys, salary increase programs) coordinating roles and responsibilities with the Academic Compensation Analyst.
- Provide general support to University in collective bargaining and relating to grievances and other disputes. Build and maintain internal and external compensation contacts, including participation in the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents Data Exchange (OCAV-DE).
- Act as a key resource person, liaison and communicator; provide guidance and assistance to relevant parties across the University, including Deans, Faculty office staff, HR Managers and Payroll on a broad range of academic compensation related issues. Develop and maintain communication programs and materials.
- Undertake other duties or special projects as required in support of the Office of the Provost and Vice Principal (Academic) and Human Resources, and other University initiatives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- University degree in business administration with an emphasis on data analysis, information technology and process management.
- HR or related certification, such as CHRL, CMS, MIR or CMA is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated solid understanding of compensation, payroll and labour relations practices.
- Five years of progressively responsible working experience in administration in both unionized and non-unionized environments.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable legislation (Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity etc.). Knowledge and experience in costing, statistical analysis and business analysis is considered a strong asset.
- Proven track record in a leadership/project management capacity in a university or comparable workplace setting.
- Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
- Demonstrated strategic analytical, investigative research, interpretative and problems-solving skills to support on-going programs and to assist with the development of strategic directions.
- Advanced knowledge of statistical, spreadsheet, internet and word processing software programs. Knowledge of university information systems would be helpful.
- Excellent oral and writing skills in order to draft and present proposals, reports/findings and develop efficient processes.
- Proven organizational, planning and project leadership skills to coordinate a wide range of responsibilities. Must be able to make the right decisions with respect to balancing diversity of responsibilities and conflicting deadlines with constant interruptions.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal with a diverse client base (e.g. Senior administrators, Deans, Department Heads, employees, union representatives, external agencies and individual faculty members). Due to the nature of job responsibilities, this position requires a high degree of sensitivity and confidentiality
- Excellent judgment and discretion when providing input and direction involving the interpretation of University policies, procedures and Collective Agreement language.
- Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace.
DECISION MAKING:
- Ensure appropriate individuals are informed of key business concerns and decisions. Determine how to advise and what recommendations to make to administrators and/or staff regarding sensitive academic appointment data and other compensation related matters.
- Participate in the determination of goals and objectives for the Academic Compensation team within Human Resources’ Faculty Relations Office.
- Decide most appropriate time to involve others in resolution of complex issues, and more importantly, mitigate risks by identifying potential problems and providing proactive solutions.
- Determine recommended hiring salaries and other salary adjustments.
- Make decisions as required in project team coordination (e.g. resources required, workload, priorities, and human resource management decisions).
- Make decisions as required in the implementation of multiple annual academic salary review programs.
- Make decisions required for the development and implementation of new compensation and collective bargaining initiatives.
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [email protected].
