Compensation Specialist

At Equity Residential, we're dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we invite you to be part of our team. Embracing values like Diversity, Sustainability, and Total Wellbeing, we foster a workplace culture of authenticity and collaboration.

How We Deliver a Winning Performance:  

• Question Authority 
• Walk the Talk
• Share Knowledge
• Listen, not just Hear
• See the Glass Half Full
• Take Educated Risks
• Enjoy the Ride
• Share the Spotlight
• Do the Right Thing
• Test Your Limits 

We Care About Your Total Wellbeing:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

What You’ll Be Doing:

The Compensation Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration and coordination of the organization's compensation and recognition programs. This role ensures that all compensation processes are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations to deliver exceptional HR services. Additionally, the individual will participate in ad-hoc HR projects and conduct market research to identify best practices, enhancing the organization's HR strategies.

• Participate in salary surveys, market analyses, and industry research to ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices. Interpret results and provide recommendations to management.
• Administer the recognition program, including processing awards and creating reports to track usage and trends. 
• Develop and maintain process documentation, guidelines, and training materials. Draft clear and consistent employee communications to ensure understanding of programs, policies, and upcoming initiatives.
• Partner with HRIT and other stakeholders to support system testing, audits, and data governance activities. 
• Support the annual compensation planning cycle, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 
• Assist in administering executive and employee programs such as the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP).
• Collaborate with HR and business partners on projects such as policy development, process redesign, and new program launches. 
• Participate in audits and recommend process improvements to reduce risk.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. 

What You’ll Need to Thrive:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, preferred. 
• 2-4 years of experience in HR Operations, with a focus on compensation administration. 
• Experience coordinating HR projects and conducting market research.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (including advanced functions such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools).
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations related to compensation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Salary: $71,000 - $86,000 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Working Conditions 

Physical and Visual Activities: Ability to hear and speak well enough to converse verbally over the phone and in-person (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken or written word). Ability to interpret, evaluate and communicate detailed written or verbal instructions to others accurately and easily. Able to see well enough to use the computer effectively and read written communications. Ability to lift, push, pull or carry up to 15 pounds for the dissemination of documents, supplies, materials, etc. to various locations throughout the work environment. Ability to sit for prolonged periods. The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job. ”Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment: This position is a hybrid working environment, in-office and remote, in alignment with the company’s corporate attendance policy.

Additional Information:  Machines, Tools and Equipment, Software: Computer w/Internet and e-mail capabilities, Telephone, and Photocopier. Software to include Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, Docs/Sheets/Drive, etc.). 

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. 

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing. 

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive. 

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.