Compensation Director Jobs in Illinois
Compensation Director jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with the market concentrated in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services firms anchoring the state's economy. Chicago drives the majority of openings, supported by activity in suburban corridors around Schaumburg and Naperville, where major employers like Allstate, United Airlines, and Baxter International maintain large HR functions. The most sought-after specialties include executive compensation, equity plan administration, and total rewards strategy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Number:
00139734Job Posting
: Oct 22, 2026, 2:17:17 PMClosing Date
: Nov 5, 2026, 11:59:00 PM Full-time Shift Start Time: 8:00 A.M. Shift End Time: 4:00 P.M.Organization
: Health and Hospital Systems
LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital-Chicago, IL
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
SHIFT: Days/8AM-4PM
Applicants may apply for this position by submitting a resume/ CV to the following email address: mgmtrecruit@cookcountyhhs.org
When submitting a resume/CV by email, you must include the job title and posting number in the subject line of your email. An application or resume/CV must be filed for each position which interests you.
Job Summary
The Director of Classification & Compensation (Director) assumes primary responsibility for the overall maintenance, development, coordination, design, and implementation of the Cook County Health (CCH) job classification and compensation department. This department is responsible for creating and maintaining all CCH job descriptions as well as completing market compensation analysis for all positions in accordance with negotiated and other wage and salary decisions for non-union, union, leadership, professional, clinical, and non-clinical personnel. The Director will also develop, implement, and maintain appropriate policies and standard procedures for CCH to follow in order to comply with all laws, rules, and regulations, as well as ensure that equitable pay structures and practices are in place.
The Director will work closely with Recruiting, Finance, and management to ensure job descriptions accurately reflect the position qualifications in addition to compensation related performance management activities. The Director will also work with appropriate staff from the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and ordinances.
General Administrative Responsibilities
Collective Bargaining
- Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals
- Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings
Discipline
- Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels
- Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements
Supervision
- Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices
- Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements
Management
- Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH’ systemic development and success
- Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure
- Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Work with Cook County Labor Relations and CCH Operations Counsel to discern past practice when necessary
Typical Duties
- Provides leadership in the areas of organizational and position design, position review and analytics, equitable and compliant compensation administration, and pay philosophies and strategies
- Assists in policy development for human resources and compensation and classification policies, practices, and procedures
- Monitors implementation of employment policies and procedures, especially those directly related to the classification and compensation function such as position reclassification, upgrades, downgrades, talent acquisition and retention initiatives, and salary determinations and adjustments
- Manages the classification and compensation team in the day-to-day duties, operations, and implementation of their job functions, as well as works with leadership on ensuring the team has the correct resources, training, skills, and staffing to meet the needs of CCH and its partners
- Manages the maintenance of market pricing tool(s) and evaluation of compensation benchmarking strategies
- Responsible for drafting and managing CCH job descriptions for both clinical and non-clinical positions to identify grade, typical duties, minimum & preferred qualifications, as well as Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Coordinates final review and drafting of recommendations regarding job audits, classification studies, reclassification procedures, and salary schedules of CCH positions
- Manages classification and compensation staff in auditing CCH positions and incumbents; reviews and analyzes job data; directs related job surveys of other government jurisdictions
- Consults with Leadership, management, and Cook County Bureau of Human Resources, and to review and formulate CCH strategy in pay and classification matters and to coordinate job studies
- Works with the Talent Acquisition Team and other Human Resources leadership on CCH’s total compensation and benefits program
- Provides assistance to the Chief Human Resources Officer/designee on special projects and reports; advises and recommends options on matters of classification and compensation policies
- Provides guidance and assistance in developing workforce structures and the job descriptions and classification systems for newly created positions and structures
- Maintains all compensation metrics used for organizational and strategic departmental decisions including appropriate pay equity in alignment with all regulations and CCH policies
- Participates in highly confidential meetings and discussions regarding wage settlements, employee classifications and upgrades, organization structure and development or re-organization and their impact on the CCH budget
- Provides expertise and recommendations in all matters of compensation, talent acquisition, and job development policies
- Assumes supervisory responsibilities over all Human Resources staff engaged in desk audits salary surveys, job description creation / management, market analysis, FLSA review, and ensures policies, guidelines, and regulations are being enforced
- Performs other duties as assigned
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree and three (3) years of full-time work experience in classification and compensation or a Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of full-time work experience in compensation and classification
- Three (3) years’ supervisory or managerial position, with at least one year managing a team in a human resources or finance department
- Experience drafting and implementing job descriptions (may be required to complete writing sample during interview or provide a writing sample at time of interview)
- Proficiency with analytical tools and programs to include ability to manipulate, interpret, analyze, and present data
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in finance, accounting, business, or human resources focus from an accredited college or university
- Previous work experience in a health care, hospital, and/or medical setting
- Experience working with laws and regulations impacting compensation such as Equal Pay Act, Fair Labor Standards (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA)
- Previous work experience in a union environment
- Previous work experience in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of work
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or current enrollment in CCP certification program
- PHR or SPH certification
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
- Knowledge of job classification, the grouping and classifying of jobs according to recognizable prerequisites, function knowledge skills and abilities
- Knowledge of methodologies in developing surveys and questionnaires
- Excellent customer services skills with the ability to deliver challenging messages and information in a positive and influential manner
- Excellent skills relative to interpreting and organizing budgetary data, making computations in matters of pay, cost analysis and projection
- Excellent analytical, research, problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Skill in the interpretation, organization, and presentation of data
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to organize, and track a high volume of paperwork and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with all levels of individuals internally and externally
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent administrative, organizational and time management skills
- Ability to assume responsibility for the overall coordination of a large job classification and compensation system covering thousands of employees in hundreds of job titles
- Ability to work effectively in a complicated, diverse, and fast-paced work environment
- Ability to plan and administer complex administrative systems and processes
- Ability to understand organization needs and goals, and to make appropriate compensation recommendations
- Ability to effectively lead professional Human Resources Staff engaged in related duties
- Ability to formulate and recommend policy positions in area of expertise
- Ability to conduct interviews, salary surveys and elicit information from others
- Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization with diplomacy, and respect. Sensitivity and respect in serving culturally diverse applicants and employees
- Ability to work in a rapidly changing healthcare environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to set priorities and follow through in a timely manner
- Dependability, flexibility, and the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with multiple, changing and competing priorities under stressful situations and deadlines
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and a team player
- Must be able to travel to and from and or out of any of the CCH facilities, including the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources in a timely manner
Physical and Environmental Demands
This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.
For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
VETERAN PREFERENCE
PLEASE READ
When applying for employment with Cook County Health, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
- Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
- Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable
OR
A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference
VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.
“Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada muse be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belongings to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview”.
Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
*CCH is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.
COOK COUNTY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
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Find Compensation Director JobsCompensation Director Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Compensation Director Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in compensation director jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, finance, or a related field required
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation strongly preferred by Illinois employers
- Seven or more years of progressive compensation experience including leadership responsibilities
- Demonstrated expertise in executive compensation, equity programs, or total rewards strategy
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM
- Experience partnering with C-suite and board-level stakeholders on compensation philosophy
Compensation Director Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a compensation director in Illinois?
Becoming a compensation director in Illinois typically requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, finance, or business, followed by progressive experience in compensation analysis and management roles. Illinois does not issue a state-specific license for compensation professionals, but employers consistently expect the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) credential from WorldatWork. Candidates usually advance through roles such as compensation analyst, compensation manager, or total rewards manager before reaching the director level.
Which companies hire compensation directors in Illinois?
Employers hiring compensation directors in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Epsilon, and CME, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, large healthcare systems, and major financial institutions creates steady demand for senior compensation leadership across industries.
Which Illinois cities have the most compensation director jobs?
Chicago and Mettawa have the most compensation director openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, financial services firms, and health systems, while suburban centers like Schaumburg and Naperville attract openings from large employers that have relocated or expanded their HR operations into Chicago's northwest and western corridors.
Are there remote compensation director jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields, since compensation director work is analytical and strategy-focused rather than hands-on. About 100% of compensation director openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the role's suitability for distributed work arrangements. Executive compensation design and total rewards strategy are the sub-areas most commonly offered on a fully remote basis.
How can I get hired as a compensation director in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a compensation analyst or HR generalist role at a large Illinois employer, which builds the technical foundation needed to advance. Major Illinois-based organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services regularly hire junior compensation staff into rotational or analyst programs. Earning the WorldatWork CCP coursework certificates early signals serious intent, and experience with job architecture or salary survey participation in tools like Mercer or Willis Towers Watson gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for first director-level opportunities.
Where can I find and apply to compensation director jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to compensation director jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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