What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Administrator position at Hamline University?
Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.
Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
JOB SUMMARY
Benefits Administrator is responsible for administration of all of the employee benefits, leaves and accommodations, and related programs and ensure compliance with related local, state, and federal regulations. The benefits administrator surveys industry and/or community trends to determine company's competitive position in employee benefits. This position develops, recommends and implements approved, new or modified plans and employee benefits policies, leaves and accommodations, and supervises administration of existing plans and policies. This position develops cost control procedures to assure maximum coverage at the least possible cost to the university and the employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage day-to-day administration section 125 Cafeteria Plan (medical, dental, vision, flex spending accounts and HSA), Life Insurance, Disability Insurance Plans, and additional voluntary benefits (Long Term Care Insurance, MetLaw, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity plans and Short-Term Disability, etc,.)
- Facilitate Benefits Advisory Committee.
- Complete audits and various activities to support benefit plan reporting and maintain required compliance with all federal and state laws.
- Manage administration of retirement plan according to plan documents and maintain plan compliance with federal regulation. Process retirement plan contributions each pay day in a timely manner. Participate in Retirement Committee.
- Administer Hamline’s FMLA, leave requests and the accommodation processes. Ensure all leave and accommodation policies and practices are current and compliant.
- Documents all employee accommodations on the accommodations log for AAP Tracking purposes.
- Participate in onboarding of New Hires. Ensure all eligible employees are informed of timelines, receive enrollment information and are enrolled in elected benefits through the University's online benefit administration portal.
- Investigate and resolve employee benefits, leaves and accommodations issues.
- Reconcile billing for each program and ensure payment is processed timely.
- Administer the continuation of benefits in accordance with COBRA.
- Administer the retiree benefit programs (Medicare Supplement Plan, HRA and VERIP).
- Function as key liaison with benefits vendors and broker.
- Partner with the benefits broker to ensure design of benefits plans provides cost effective package for Hamline’s employees.
- Administer the open enrollment process and communicate all information regarding plans for upcoming year.
- Present benefit and payroll related information in New Employee Orientation presentations.
- Analyze Hamline’s benefit processes and determine improvement areas.
- Strong communication skills to enable collaborative working relationships for HR/Benefits and internal and external constituencies
- Participate in benefits, leaves and accommodations, and compensation surveys as needed.
- Administers the University’s tuition waiver programs.
- All other duties as requested.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the: Director of Human Resources
This position does not supervise other employees.
This position does not supervise student workers.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is not responsible for the management of a budget.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strong understanding and working knowledge of HR functions, processes and data.
- Ability to work with HRIS and other benefit or employment related systems.
- Effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding ability to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities and tasks.
- Working knowledge of various benefit and employment related local, state, and federal rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, USERRA, ADA, FLSA, ACA and worker’s compensation laws.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, conveying complex information in a manner that others can understand, as well as the ability to understand and interpret complex information from others.
- Experience and sensitivity to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to work with confidential information and exercise discretion regarding confidential data.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or 7 years of professional experience working with Employee Benefits.
- Five (5) years of professional HR experience managing FMLA, leaves and accommodations.
- Five (5) years professional experience managing employer sponsored group health plans and other benefit programs.
- Three to Five years (3-5) professional experience training and presenting information to employee groups.
- Three to five (3-5) years professional experience in ERP based benefits administration
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Professional Human Resources (PHR) and/or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.
- Seven to ten (7-10) years professional experience administering employer sponsored group health plans and other benefit related programs.
- Enhanced Excel Skills
REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION
- Not applicable.
WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT
Must be able to perform the following essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to travel to on and off campus locations.
- Occasional evening and weekend work needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay Range: $63,000 - $73,000
Full-Time Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Tuition waiver
Part-Time Benefits:
- Dental
- Vision
- Short Term Disability
- Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This position is a full- time, (1.0. FTE), exempt position.
All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.
About Us
Since 1854, Hamline has set the standard for excellence in education, and we continue to do so today with the help of driven individuals who are dedicated to Hamline’s tradition of doing all the good we can in all the ways we can. Our community of students, faculty, and staff take seriously the ideals of the university—scholarship, leadership, and fellowship—and work together to enact positive change locally, nationally, and globally. Join us and see how you can take the lead here at Hamline.
Salary : $63,000 - $73,000
