Benefits Manager

Alabama State University, Office of Human Resources, invites applications to fill the position of Benefits Manager. The Benefits Manager directs and oversees the day-to-day administration of the University's employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending, retirement, and other benefit programs. The position supervises Benefits staff, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, manages vendor relationships, resolves complex benefits matters, and recommends improvements to benefits programs, policies, processes, and service delivery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises, coaches, mentors, and evaluates Benefits staff; assigns work, establishes priorities, and monitors performance and workload.
• Directs the administration of employee benefits programs and ensures accurate and timely processing of enrollments, eligibility, changes, claims, deductions, and terminations.
• Responds to and resolves complex benefits inquiries by interpreting plan documents, policies, procedures, contracts, and applicable regulations.
• Manages relationships with benefits vendors, carriers, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
• Reviews benefits invoices, reports, eligibility records, and related transactions for accuracy and appropriate processing.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory changes and recommends appropriate changes to benefits programs, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates benefit plans, services, contracts, and proposals and makes recommendations regarding plan design, cost effectiveness, and service improvements.
• Coordinates annual enrollment, benefits education, employee communications, and new employee benefits orientation.
• Maintains benefits information in HRIS and benefits systems and oversees the accuracy and integrity of benefits data and reporting.
• Develops and maintains benefits policies, procedures, workflows.
• Prepares and analyzes benefits reports and provides recommendations and information to HR leadership.
• Participates in departmental planning, projects, audits, committees, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with Payroll, Finance, HRIS, vendors, and other University departments to resolve benefits and operational issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, plan design, contract language, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Supervisory, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret benefit plans, contracts, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to evaluate proposals, contracts, and vendor services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, HRIS, and benefits administration systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Five years of supervisory or team leadership experience responsible benefits or human resources experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a related field.
• SHRM-CP and/or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience in higher education or a complex organizational environment.
• Experience with HRIS, benefits administration systems, vendor management, audits, and benefits compliance.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Alabama State University to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Federal law requires identity and employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 within three (3) business days of employment.
• All positions require the passing of a background check and some the passing of a drug screen.