Sr Compensation Specialist - HR

Category: Human Resources Req ID: 1146 Date: Jun 3, 2026 Location: We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025. We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more. WHAT YOU'LL DO Ascend Learning is hiring a Senior Compensation Analyst join our dynamic People team, reporting to the Vice President, Total Rewards. This role is instrumental in delivering compensation programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical capabilities, compensation program administration experience, and a collaborative mindset to ensure our programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business goals. This role offers the opportunity to partner on compensation program delivery across the organization in support of strategic talent outcomes. WHERE YOU’LL WORK This position can work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS office location preferred. Working hybrid from our Burlington, MA office location will also be considered. HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME Compensation Program Delivery Participate in the administration and delivery of compensation programs that support business objectives and talent strategies. Collaborate in supporting the annual merit and bonus planning cycle including timely and accurate system setup, preparation of communications and training, supporting users, and preparation of reports and data analyses. Support the maintenance of compensation and job-related data in People systems (e.g., SAP/SuccessFactors), ensuring accuracy and compliance. Conduct audits as needed. Understand and advise users on system workflows related to compensation. Develop and maintain dashboards and reports. Collaborate on the development of salary structures and compensation recommendations based on market trends and other relevant factors. Contribute to and lead compensation-related projects, as assigned. Market Benchmarking & Analytics Evaluate jobs and conduct market benchmark analyses, resulting in recommended job levels, pay ranges and compensation actions. Prepare data submissions for compensation surveys, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery. Manage the compensation benchmarking tool, ensuring data integrity and effective utilization for analytics and reporting. Identify and recommend tool features that may enhance Ascend’s benchmarking and analyses. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication Advise HR Business Partners and leaders on compensation matters that fall within guidelines; collaborate on recommendations for exception situations. Participate in conveying compensation philosophy and program guidelines to the People team, managers and employees. Compliance & Governance Collaborate to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation laws and regulations. Maintain documentation and audit readiness for compensation-related processes. WHAT YOU'LL NEED 5+ years of progressive experience in compensation analysis and compensation program delivery. Advanced Excel skills and proficiency working with HR systems (SAP/SuccessFactors) and Microsoft Office Suite products. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage and analyze large sets of data. Ability to clearly convey results and findings to non-technical audiences. Ability to work effectively cross-functionally and within teams. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. High level of discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. Ability to travel up to 10%. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field and CCP certification preferred. BENEFITS Flexible and generous paid time off Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance 401(k) employer matching program Parental leave Wellness resources Charitable matching program On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington) Community outreach groups Tuition reimbursement Fostering A Sense of Belonging Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging. Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Nearest Major Market: Kansas City