Inside Higher Ed
Benefits Manager, Human Resources
Inside Higher Ed, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104
Benefits Manager, Human Resources
Inside Higher Ed
Job Description Summary This position manages and maintains the university’s benefit programs, providing plan changes to the Director while maintaining institutional objectives and competitive positioning. The incumbent collaborates with the Human Resources team, Information Systems, Finance, Budget, Payroll, third‑party administrators, consultants, campus partners, and faculty and staff to collect, monitor, analyze benefits data and provide feedback, make recommendations, and ensure compliance.
Responsibilities
Manage daily benefits administration including medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, dental, vision, supplemental, and life insurance plans.
Administer the overall retirement process for faculty and staff including retiree benefits, communication, events, and open enrollment.
Monitor industry trends, benchmark data, recommend enhancements/changes, analyze options, project future costs.
Ensure compliance with Affordable Care Act processes and efforts.
Manage fringe benefits budget, prepare updates, reconcile third‑party administrator billing.
Integrate data files between the university and third‑party administrators, lead benefits‑related Workday enhancements.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, local legal requirements (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA), annual filings, reporting, plan documentation.
Build and maintain relationships with third‑party administrators and consultants to monitor plan performance and resolve service or claims issues.
Oversee open enrollment process including planning, communication, and administration.
Develop benefits‑related communication including guidebook, flyers, newsletters, online resources, orient new employees.
Coach, counsel, and mentor non‑exempt staff.
Provide comprehensive support and assistance to employees regarding benefit plans, policies, claims, and eligibility inquiries.
Evaluate and improve benefits operating systems, processes, and efficiencies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General knowledge of HR functions.
Solid understanding of benefit programs.
Solid understanding of accounting and budgeting.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data.
Proven ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive HR information.
Knowledge of superior customer service standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Proficient with technology (web, email/calendar, Google Office Suite, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, basic reporting tools, ERP systems).
Ability to work efficiently and effectively, prioritize, multitask.
Ability to work in a team‑oriented, continuous improvement, customer‑centric environment.
Must complete work by provided deadlines.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience with Workday.
Experience in higher education.
Five years of benefits experience.
Two years experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
GBA/CEBS/SPHR/PHR certification.
Accountabilities
Responsible for own work.
Supervise non‑exempt staff.
Manage fringe benefits budget expenses.
Physical Requirements
Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing, talking, hearing, repetitive motions; ability to lift up to 20 lbs; close visual acuity.
Environmental Conditions
Subject to interior environmental conditions; not substantially exposed to adverse conditions.
Note To Applicant This profile identifies key responsibilities and expectations. It does not encompass all specific job tasks that may be required. Employees follow any other job‑related instructions and perform duties as reasonably assigned by the supervisor.
In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.
Accommodations for Applicants If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.
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Inside Higher Ed
Job Description Summary This position manages and maintains the university’s benefit programs, providing plan changes to the Director while maintaining institutional objectives and competitive positioning. The incumbent collaborates with the Human Resources team, Information Systems, Finance, Budget, Payroll, third‑party administrators, consultants, campus partners, and faculty and staff to collect, monitor, analyze benefits data and provide feedback, make recommendations, and ensure compliance.
Responsibilities
Manage daily benefits administration including medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, dental, vision, supplemental, and life insurance plans.
Administer the overall retirement process for faculty and staff including retiree benefits, communication, events, and open enrollment.
Monitor industry trends, benchmark data, recommend enhancements/changes, analyze options, project future costs.
Ensure compliance with Affordable Care Act processes and efforts.
Manage fringe benefits budget, prepare updates, reconcile third‑party administrator billing.
Integrate data files between the university and third‑party administrators, lead benefits‑related Workday enhancements.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, local legal requirements (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA), annual filings, reporting, plan documentation.
Build and maintain relationships with third‑party administrators and consultants to monitor plan performance and resolve service or claims issues.
Oversee open enrollment process including planning, communication, and administration.
Develop benefits‑related communication including guidebook, flyers, newsletters, online resources, orient new employees.
Coach, counsel, and mentor non‑exempt staff.
Provide comprehensive support and assistance to employees regarding benefit plans, policies, claims, and eligibility inquiries.
Evaluate and improve benefits operating systems, processes, and efficiencies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General knowledge of HR functions.
Solid understanding of benefit programs.
Solid understanding of accounting and budgeting.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data.
Proven ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive HR information.
Knowledge of superior customer service standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Proficient with technology (web, email/calendar, Google Office Suite, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, basic reporting tools, ERP systems).
Ability to work efficiently and effectively, prioritize, multitask.
Ability to work in a team‑oriented, continuous improvement, customer‑centric environment.
Must complete work by provided deadlines.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience with Workday.
Experience in higher education.
Five years of benefits experience.
Two years experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
GBA/CEBS/SPHR/PHR certification.
Accountabilities
Responsible for own work.
Supervise non‑exempt staff.
Manage fringe benefits budget expenses.
Physical Requirements
Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing, talking, hearing, repetitive motions; ability to lift up to 20 lbs; close visual acuity.
Environmental Conditions
Subject to interior environmental conditions; not substantially exposed to adverse conditions.
Note To Applicant This profile identifies key responsibilities and expectations. It does not encompass all specific job tasks that may be required. Employees follow any other job‑related instructions and perform duties as reasonably assigned by the supervisor.
In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.
Accommodations for Applicants If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.
#J-18808-Ljbffr