Fast Facts

Ascend Learning is seeking a Compensation Partner to shape and execute compensation strategies aimed at attracting and retaining top talent within a dynamic, people-focused culture.

Responsibilities: Develop and refine compensation programs, conduct market benchmarking and analytics, lead the annual merit and bonus planning cycle, and ensure compliance with compensation laws.

Skills: Expertise in compensation design and analysis, strong analytical capabilities, advanced Excel and HRIS proficiency, and effective storytelling in communication.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, with 8+ years of experience in compensation, and preferred Master's degree or CCP certification.

Location: This position can work a hybrid schedule from our Burlington, MA or Leawood, KS office location or remote within United States Eastern or Central time zones.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $90,000 - $130,000.

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture 

Ascend Learning 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. 

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. 

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. 

Ascend Learning leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO  

Ascend Learning is hiring a Compensation Partner to join our dynamic Total Rewards team, reporting to the VP Total Rewards & HR Operations. This role is instrumental in shaping and executing compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in compensation design, strong analytical capabilities, and a collaborative mindset to ensure our programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business goals. This role offers the opportunity to influence compensation practices across the organization and drive strategic talent outcomes. 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK  

This position can work a hybrid schedule from our Burlington, MA or Leawood, KS office location or remote within United States Eastern or Central time zones. 

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME 

Compensation Strategy & Design 

• Develop and refine compensation programs that support business objectives and talent strategies. 
• Recommend changes to salary structures, incentive plans, and compensation policies based on market trends and internal analysis. 
• Partner with Sales Operations and Finance to evaluate design and effectiveness of Commercial Sales Incentive Plans.   

Market Benchmarking & Analytics 

• Conduct market research and participate in salary surveys to assess competitiveness and alignment with industry standards and best practices. 
• Manage compensation benchmarking tool, ensuring data integrity and effective utilization for analytics and reporting. 
• Analyze compensation data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. 

Program Administration 

• Lead the annual merit and bonus planning cycle ensuring timely and accurate delivery of system setup, communications, budget and spend management and overall data analysis. 
• Maintain compensation and job-related data in HRIS systems (e.g., SAP, UKG), ensuring accuracy and compliance. 
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports for leadership review. 

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication 

• Advise HR Business Partners and leaders on pay decisions, job evaluations, and organizational design. 
• Deliver training and guidance to HR and business leaders on compensation philosophy and practices through presentations, training sessions, and individual counseling. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to junior team members. 

Compliance & Governance 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation laws and regulations. 
• Maintain documentation and audit readiness for compensation-related processes. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field required. Master’s or CCP certification preferred. 
• 8+ years of progressive experience in compensation design, analysis, and administration. 
• Experience with sales compensation design is a strong plus/preferred. 
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in HRIS systems (SAP, UKG) and Microsoft Office Suite products. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving with ability to manage and analyze large sets of data. 
• Story telling capabilities in communicating analysis and data findings to non-technical audiences. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. 
• High level of discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. 

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 
• Hybrid work  
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington) 
• Community outreach groups 
• Tuition reimbursement 

Fostering A Sense of Belonging 

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. 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.  

About Ascend Learning 

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. 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 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. 

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. 

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