Compensation Project Consultant (California)

CPS HR Consulting is seeking a highly skilled and solution-oriented Compensation professional to support public-sector clients. This is an exciting opportunity to bring deep compensation expertise to complex, high-impact projects—partnering with government organizations to interpret compensation data, develop strategic recommendations, and deliver creative, practical solutions that drive informed decision-making.

This is an ideal opportunity for a compensation professional who enjoys both the technical and consultative aspects of the field, diving into data while also shaping strategy and delivering meaningful client impact. 

In this role, you will serve in a project-based W-2 consulting capacity with flexible, as-needed engagement. When assigned to a project, consultants can generally expect to work 5–10 hours per week; however, hours and project assignments will vary based on client needs and are not guaranteed.

As a Compensation Project Consultant with CPS HR Consulting, you will partner with public sector clients to deliver advanced compensation consulting services, including:

• Analyze and interpret compensation study results, including market benchmarking and internal equity data
• Translate compensation findings into clear, actionable recommendations tailored to client needs
• Develop creative and strategic solutions to address complex compensation challenges, including pay structures, classification alignment, and total rewards considerations
• Design and refine salary structures, pay plans, and compensation frameworks
• Prepare and present compensation findings and recommendations to client stakeholders, including executive leadership teams
• Provide expert guidance on compensation policies, practices, and compliance considerations
• Partner with internal teams and clients to ensure alignment between compensation strategy and organizational goals

Travel Requirements

To effectively serve our clients, we are looking for candidates based in California. Minimal travel and on-site service delivery, during business hours, may be required based on client needs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience 
• Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), IPMA-CP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred 
• Minimum of five years of progressive HR experience with public sector/government organization(s), with a strong emphasis on compensation

• Advanced knowledge of compensation principles, including job evaluation, salary benchmarking, pay equity analysis, and total rewards strategy 
• Demonstrated experience interpreting compensation study data and developing practical, client-ready recommendations 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex public sector compensation scenarios 
• Ability to think creatively and develop tailored solutions for diverse client needs 
• Experience presenting complex data and recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders 
• Well-versed with public-sector compensation practices, structures, and regulations is strongly preferred 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint with experience leveraging generative AI tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or similar platforms

What Makes You Fit

• Brings deep expertise in compensation and thrives in solving complex, nuanced challenges 
• Excels at translating data into insights and actionable strategies 
• Demonstrates confidence and credibility when presenting to senior leaders and clients 
• Takes a proactive, client-focused approach to understanding needs and delivering solutions 
• Thinks creatively and strategically, offering innovative approaches to compensation design and implementation 
• Builds strong partnerships through clear communication, professionalism, and reliability

We’re a mission-driven, employee-centered consulting organization that exists to support the public sector. At CPS HR, you’ll work alongside professionals who are passionate about serving communities through government excellence.

We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible work options

• A culture that values innovation, relationships, and equity
• Exposure to diverse projects, clients, and HR challenges that expand your skills and experience
• Free training and professional development courses to stay current with HR best practices, compliance requirements, and emerging trends.

Salary : $40 - $60