Classification & Compensation Consultant- Human Resources- UTK

Have you ever been praised for your ability to compare and contrast concepts and explain them to others? Do you enjoy solving problems without clear or immediate answers? Have you been complimented on your communication style that involves listening carefully and addressing concerns? Do you pride yourself on your service centered approach? 

If you are reading this announcement and thinking “this is ME”, keep reading! 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (UTK) Human Resources office is seeking to fill a full-time position as a Classification and Compensation Consultant. The UTK Human Resources Office provides services to more than 8,000 regular faculty and staff, as well as temporary and student employees. Our commitment to serving our campus community is fundamental to our culture. It is a great time to be on Rocky Top!

What You’Ll Do:

As a Classification and Compensation Consultant, you will:

• Maintain Job Family Structures: Conduct classification reviews on position descriptions across our service area. Your work ensures alignment with our job family structure and market ranges.
• Perform Compensation Analysis: Conduct compensation analyses, make salary and compensation recommendations, and participate in various compensation projects. 
• Collaborate, Innovate & Drive Solutions: Partner with HR teammates and campus contacts to refine position descriptions, consult on compensation matters, enhance processes, and improve employee experiences. Provide creative recommendations and solutions. Your work provides vital support to university departments in achieving their goals.
• Be a Subject Matter Expert: Administer Family Medical Leave (FML) and Paid Parental Leave (PPL), staying up-to-date on federal, state regulations, and university policy while guiding employees and departments through leave processes. Your work provides care and guidance to employees when they need it the most.

What We’Re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (Preferably in Human Resources or closely related field such as Business or Organizational Management).

Experience: Two years of human resources experience (completion of a master’s program in Human Resources can substitute up to one year of human resources experience).

Experience to include providing consultative and advisory services to stakeholders on HR matters with the goal of problem solving and creating positive solutions in a customer focused environment. This might be gained from experience comprehending information, analyzing data, comparing/contrasting concepts, drawing conclusions, making recommendations on best options and effectively communicating these things. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of HR practices, principles, and applicable federal/state employment laws and regulations.
• Strong skills in building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Ability to focus on accuracy and thoroughness in tasks.
• Ability to exercise empathy and understand others’ perspectives.
• Ability to visualize, conceptualize, compare, and contrast written and oral statements.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and reach points of consensus.
• Ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Ability to engage in complex conversations with stakeholders.
• Commitment to providing excellent service to stakeholders.
• Strong skills in building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Ability to focus on accuracy and thoroughness in tasks.
• Ability to exercise empathy and understand others’ perspectives.
• Ability to visualize, conceptualize, compare, and contrast written and oral statements.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and reach points of consensus.
• Ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Ability to engage in complex conversations with stakeholders.
• Commitment to providing excellent service to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Human Resources.

Experience: Experience with position classification and/or compensation analysis. Experience with HRIS systems. Experience in higher education. Experience with position classification in HR office within higher education. Experience with merit/market-based compensation systems. Experience with Family Medical Leave. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Familiarity with merit/market structures, job family/classification concepts, FML regulations, FLSA regulations, and variable pay systems.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville
• Fully onsite for the initial training period with the option to work remotely up to 2 days per week after a successful probation period.  

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-$60,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Are you excited about the opportunity to specialize in classification and compensation work within a great HR culture that values individual contributions and teamwork? If so, please submit an application and the below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 24, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The Department
Our HR team takes a values-driven approach to remain passionate, precise, and committed to making meaningful contributions to the university every day. We value collaboration, innovation, excellence, connection and trust.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!