Compensation, Classification & Career Architecture
Compensation, Classification, & Career Architecture (CCCA) is a unit within Illinois Human Resources (IHR) that establishes and implements classification and compensation structures to enable the university’s mission and vision through its workforce.
Compensation, Classification, & Career Architecture is responsible for:
- Continual evaluation and development of the organization’s effectiveness with compensation and classification related matters to meet the needs of our diverse workforce.
- Collaborating with HR business partners and other stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions to the unique staffing needs of our university.
- Supporting leadership in developing equitable compensation, recruitment, and retention programs aligned with the University’s strategies and goals.
- Delivering decision support research, analysis, data, and tools related to compensation and classification, leveraging best practice surveys & analysis.
- Administering operational and compliance efforts to enable university units and staff to focus and succeed in their teaching, research, and engagement missions.
Contact Information
Developing Job Descriptions
Instructions/job aids can be found on the Job Aids page.
Meet the CCCA Staff
Adam Austin
Assists with contract implementations, policy guidance, front end and Banner troubleshooting, and other pay administration related topics. His background includes work in HR Data Operations and specializes in Civil Service-related questions.
Ash Little
The Compensation Manager ensures Civil Service and aspects of Administrative compensation programs are administered within the confides of State, SUCSS and Universities guidelines. The Compensation Manager works with Administrators to create a compensation structure that will attract and retain a high-performance workforce, providing resources and expertise used in the determination of appropriate salaries. The Compensation Manager participates in and conducts salary surveys, conducting analysis to support recommendations for pay adjustments, and consults with Staff and Administrators relaying compensation policy and practices.
Cassandra Nicholson
Responsible for daily management and staff supervision for the university’s classification plan/functions and provides operational support for the Center of Expertise (COE) for Compensation, Classification and Career Architecture. Serves as a subject-matter expert interpreting and ensuring compliance relating to classification policies, processes, and procedures; training staff and campus personnel; improving COE processes and procedures, advising IHR and campus personnel; and resolving challenging position/staffing needs. Develops customized presentations and resources for training and ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations.
Jody Taylor
Assist with contract implementations, Civil Service salary approvals, pay related topics, and SURS 6% billing. Her background includes work with the IHR Classification hub and specializes in crafts & trades prevailing wages.
Phil Stanton
Responsible for managing and participating as a subject matter expert in compensation, classification, and career architecture projects at both departmental and campus levels. Enhances COE business processes in collaboration with COE leaders, develops supporting documentation and training, and implements technology solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data-driven decision-making. Works with COE leadership, IHR, campus partners, and IT teams to ensure seamless system integration and successful project execution. Leads process improvement, data analysis and reporting, technology integration, and support. Actively participates in staff training, development, and policy creation.
Vy Huynh
Assists with campus-wide classification activities, supporting the work of CCCA. Also provides operational and project support to ensure smooth coordination and implementation of initiatives.