Compensation Study and Career Architecture Development

Objectives

As part of the university’s goal to grow our next-generation land-grant workforce and to become an employer of choice in Kansas and higher education, this initiative will establish a university compensation philosophy and supporting structures focused on competitiveness and performance. The workforce structure and compensation study will review current pay and practices and provide recommendations for pay and career opportunities that ensure success now and into the future.

Methodology

Steering committees comprised of stakeholders across the university have been formed, with opportunities for larger university input available. The steering committees will assist the executive committee and our collaborative partner in the following:

  • Develop a university compensation philosophy.
  • Review and assess current classifications and salary structures based on internal and external equity and market competitiveness, in line with K-State’s compensation philosophy.
  • Recommend career ladders or pathways across the staff classification structures.
  • Perform pay analysis and provide recommendations for adjustments, as well as overall financial impacts.
  • Update compensation policies and procedures.
  • Develop processes for continuous compensation structure maintenance.

This project is multi-faceted and is expected to span 9-12 months.

Huron Consulting Group has been chosen as the collaborative partner guiding the university through this initiative. They will engage frequently with stakeholders, the executive leadership team and the steering committees to ensure that direction and outcomes align with the project’s objectives.


Project Timeline

Launch Request for Proposal (RFP) and Secure Vendor

August-December 2024

Assemble Executive Leadership Team and Steering Committees

Fall 2024

Discovery and Data Collection

March-May 2025

Design and Development

April-December 2025

  • Total compensation philosophy development
  • Staff career architecture design
  • Salary market assessment
  • Salary structure and pay range design

Results and Recommendations

December 2025

Communications Recap