So I am attempting to negotiate a higher salary for a staff position in higher ed (public institution) - to slightly surpass/hopefully meet my last salary (which was for a similar position in the corporate world) - and I've really struggled to find good resources and advice specific to this type of situation.

Ashes2448

March 29,2022 at 11:20PM UTC

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So I am attempting to negotiate a higher salary for a staff position in higher ed (public institution) - to slightly surpass/hopefully meet my last salary (which was for a similar position in the corporate world) - and I've really struggled to find good resources and advice specific to this type of situation.

Background: I was offered at the upper end of the range, which is pleasing, but still several thousand short of my previous salary. I did expect to take a pay cut and still plan to accept this position, but know this is the best opportunity to leverage my position and it doesn't hurt to ask in case they do increase: I calculated it will take me 2.5 years to get back to my previous salary if the state and the system approves future raises at 3% each year, not to mention rising inflation and COLA and costs associated with returning to the office - as well as decrease in the amount of raise I would get since my salary starts lower as well as decreases in my retirement savings.

Just wanted to add that last bit because I know many will say it's not worth asking if it's a minor difference in salaries, but that difference does pay off - or rather doesn't - in the long run.

I know that most public institutions are often held hostage by state or system governance when it comes to salary and other benefits and compensation, but I kept my mentor's words in mind (who also works for a public institution) to "never leave money on the table" and to ask anyway.

Most advice seems tailored to for-profit companies, or if I do find anything applicable, it applies to faculty, not staff. What experience have any of you had negotiating with a similar institution, other government job, or non-profit? What resources have you found that have helped?

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AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 11:44PM UTC
Often times public positions and nonprofits aim for 90% private sector pay. Do benefits and pension make up some of this?
Ashes2448March 31,2022 at 2:52AM UTC
It is a good benefits package, what I have come to expect from higher ed based on the previous experiences I've had at other institutions. However, I was very lucky with my corporate job to have very similar ones - including nearly the same amount of leave - but with more pay. (200 positions, including my own, were impacted/laid off due to a major structural reorganization, which was a major bummer because it was the best of both worlds plus WFH. But good to know there are similar opportunities available.)
Still, I feel good about the decision to accept, even without meeting my last salary.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 4:55PM UTC
I agree with your mentor's advice to ask anyway. The worst they can say is no — and if they really value you, they're going to want to keep you and do the best they can to retain you.
Ashes2448March 31,2022 at 2:49AM UTC
UPDATE: HR was unable to approve the increase, though my new supervisor did advocate for it. (Lots of HR changes were also in play.0 Instead, we discussed opportunities for recategorizing my position in the near-future to get me to where I want to be back at and beyond. Even though I am disappointed, I am not surprised, and it was actually a very productive and positive conversation that confirmed I am making the right move, even if the tangible benefits may be less.
In fact, she was so impressed with the email I crafted to HR and how it showed my initiative, ambition and self-advocacy that she asked to keep it as a template for herself. She said her generation were never really coached on how to do it and she found it impressive and something she wants to cultivate in others now.
However, if anyone has found good resources for higher ed staff, I'm still very interested!