Benefits Manager - University of St. Thomas

Benefits Manager

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Director of Human Resources

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Student workers as appropriate.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Benefits Manager will maintain management of everyday benefits administration. They will manage all aspects of employee benefits, including but limited to; FMLA, worker's compensation, benefit inquiries, including coordination with benefit vendors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration:

• Manage benefits inquiries from employees and retirees on all plan designs, including the retirement plan, benefits enrollments, and status changes, etc.

• Lead strategic benefit initiatives by analyzing benefit trends & data alongside the AVP of Human Resources.

• Work closely with our benefits broker on plan design and utilization.

• Manage benefit escalations to carriers and the AVP of Human Resources

• Ensure accuracy of benefit portal including, but not limited to, updating benefit changes and dependent information.

• Manage the processing and reconciling of benefit bills and remittances.

• Manages the FMLA and Workers Compensation process and meetings with employees as needed.

• Manages new hire benefit orientations and updates related materials.

• Approves and enters, all benefit enrollments including, but not limited to, retirees, new hires, qualifying life event changes & COBRA.

• Leads the administration of employee benefit programs and leads the annual Open Enrollment for all benefit plans.

• Works closely with benefit carriers and insurance brokers.

• Manages the 5500 filing and other benefit audits.

• Maintains all benefits compliance and benefit implementations and works with the AVP of HR as needed.

• Provides oversight for all wellness initiatives.

General:

• Aids department in HRIS implementation.

• Assists with departmental web pages.

• Assists with other office needs as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field is required, a SHRM certification or CEBS certification is preferred. At least five (5) years of benefits management experience is required. Peoplesoft HRIS experience is required. Strong computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office, word processing and spreadsheets is essential. The position demands excellent organizational skills, strong process development and documentation skills, and an ability and desire to work closely with all constituencies of the University including students, staff, and faculty. Must have the ability to demonstrate fairness, diplomacy and discretion with staff, faculty, and students. Prior experience in higher education is a plus. At times, may need to adjust hours to accommodate UST or department needs.