What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Manager position at Van Andel Institute?
Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.
The Benefits Manager, under the direction of the Vice President of Human Resources, will be responsible for designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive benefits programs for our organization. You will ensure our benefits programs are competitive, compliant, and effectively aligned with our diverse workforce's needs. This role will be a functional working manager responsible for supervising one contributor.
Why Van Andel Institute?
At Van Andel Institute, you will be part of a mission-driven organization, working in an environment of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee well-being includes competitive benefits starting on day one, a focus on work-life balance, and a culture where employees thrive professionally and personally.
Your Key Responsibilities in this role will include the following:
- Program Administration: Oversee the Institute benefit programs, including medical/RX, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, medical travel, Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Program.
- Retirement Plans: Manage retirement plans, such as 401(k) and 457(b), ensuring they are competitive and well-administered.
- Vendor & Broker Collaboration: Partner and build strategies with brokers and leadership to analyze utilization and claims data, identify trends, and plan improvements or modifications. Maintain strong relationships and effective communication with benefit providers.
- Cost Analysis and Optimization: Analyze and optimize benefits costs while maintaining or improving the quality of offerings.
- Open Enrollment: Manage multiple open enrollments and annual benefit renewal process by leading efforts across the Institute.
- Communication: Develop, design and launch a benefit communication strategy to enhance and strengthen our employee experience.
- Reporting & Compliance: Ensure timely completion and submission of required reports and audits such as Form 5500s, ACA reporting, CMS, COBRA administration and nondiscrimination testing.
- Invoice Management: Oversee the audit, reconcile and coordinate business processes for benefit invoices.
- System Management: Oversee benefit system setup and ensure accurate benefits administration using Workday, our HRIS system.
- Leave of Absence Administration: Manage and help transform the Institute’s time-off programs, including short- and long-term disability, Family Medical Leave, Parental Leave, and ADA requests for accommodations. Provide training, education and support to Institute units to assist with the management of leaves.
What You’ll Bring to the Role
We’re seeking someone who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment and can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational needs. You should possess the following characteristics:
- Strong expertise in benefits administration and regulatory requirements.
- Agility, collaboration, and the initiative to seek solutions and opportunities.
- You have no problem wearing multiple hats at one time: 1) subject matter expert, 2) vendor manager, 3) day-to-day operations, and 4) point-of-contact for employees/vendors facing difficult and complex leave and benefits issues.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines while juggling several projects.
- You strive to exceed customer/client expectations and can explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
- A track record of building strong relationships with employees, managers, executives, and external vendors.
- A cost-conscious mindset and a process-oriented approach to improve efficiencies
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Ten or more years experience in Human Resources, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience in the benefits field.
- Strong subject matter expert in Benefits administration and current regulatory requirements (ACA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, HIPPA, Section 125 Cafeteria Plans).
- Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and benefit-driven HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
Preferred Qualifications
- Have a CEBS designation, Certificate in Benefit Plan Administration or Certificate in Health and Welfare plans,
- Have a master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective day one! The salary you can expect in this Benefits Manager role is based on your experience and skills.
Your Next Steps!
Are you ready to make a difference? Take the next step in your career by joining our HR team as a Benefits Manager.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Join us in shaping the future of biomedical research and science education while building a rewarding career at Van Andel Institute!
Please contact Megan.Doerr@vai.org with questions or if you have difficulty with the application process.
About Van Andel Institute
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.
VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown
Grand Rapids, Michigan
in the center of the Medical Mile
. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids
is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.
Located on the banks of the Grand River,
Grand Rapids
offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.
