Benefits Manager

Job Description: must apply online at www.jobs.svsu.edu

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the management and administration of university employee benefit programs for both union and non-union employees. Ensures the efficient operation of all benefit offerings, recommends and implements plan improvements, and maintains accurate human resources and benefits records in accordance with university policies. Monitors all plans to ensure compliance with legal requirements, collective bargaining agreements, and organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a comprehensive range of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, group and optional life insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, disability coverage, and workers’ compensation.
• Review and monitor benefits contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance with negotiated terms.
• Serve as the primary contact and plan administrator for all benefit carriers and vendors.
• Coordinate the implementation of new benefits plans and updates by preparing and distributing employee communication materials such as announcements, booklets, and other media.
• Educate employees on available benefit options throughout their employment cycle, including during open enrollment, onboarding, and qualifying life events.
• Stay current on applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and effective benefits administration.
• Ensure university compliance with all relevant laws and regulations by preparing and submitting required reports to federal and state agencies
• Ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by monitoring employee eligibility, managing required reporting (including Form 1095), and overseeing related benefit offerings.
• Perform research and analysis related to benefit plans to assist in Union negotiations, plan maintenance and improvement, and policy development.
• Address employee benefits inquiries and resolve issues in a timely, equitable, and professional manner.
• Oversee accurate and timely updates to internal and external systems, ensuring all benefit changes are properly processed.
• Maintain complete and accurate records for enrollment, applications, and claims.
• Utilize HRIS software to manage benefits data and distribute benefits information.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including employee education and communication.
• Ensure timely enrollment and benefit changes for new hires, changes in employment status, and terminations.
• Manage COBRA administration, life status changes, disability claims, and life insurance applications.
• Conduct monthly audits of benefits data and reconcile benefit-related invoices; resolve discrepancies and submit invoices for payment.
• Oversee the retiree benefit program, including Medicare coordination.
• Provide general human resource assistance and backup in other functional areas as needed.
• Serve as a representative on the Michigan University Coalition Health Board.
• Other duties as assigned.

RELATED DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is received from the Vice President for Human Resources

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over the Benefits and Absence Specialist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-7 years of administering an employee benefits program.
• Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of government-mandated benefits, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, and related regulations.
• Proven experience managing complex fringe benefit programs.
• Committed to delivering high-quality customer service.
• Skilled in analyzing and solving complex problems with sound judgment.
• Flexible and adaptable in responding to varied and unpredictable situations.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage workload efficiently.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with a diverse campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using Workday or similar HRIS system.
• Experience managing benefits in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of defined contribution retirement plans.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Experience managing self-funded benefit plans.

Must apply online at www.jobs.svsu.edu

https://svsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/details/Benefits-Manager_JR-54

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties are performed indoors and not normally exposed to adverse conditions.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job, and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• administering an employee benefits program: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Saginaw, MI 48604 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,000 - $72,000