Benefits and Wellness Manager - Human Resources

Grand Valley State University•Allendale Charter Township, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits and Wellness Manager is responsible for overseeing all benefit and wellness-related programs and initiatives. The position oversees and manages the design and delivery of cost-effective health and welfare programs. This role strategically positions and administers health, welfare, and wellness plans to enable the organization to be a competitive employer and fulfill the university’s strategic goals. This position works closely with leadership to ensure benefits and wellness offerings are aligned with business needs and objectives utilizing data analytics, utilization of reports etc. This role develops close working relationships with the organization’s benefits, wellness, and 403(b) brokers. This role oversees negotiations with carriers in the vetting of benefits, premiums, services, wellness programs, and administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a minimum of five (5) years of related work experience and/or relevant training.
Experience working under pressure and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Team player with genuine commitment to working in partnership and collaboratively with colleagues.
Proven ability to maintain discretion in confidential situations.
Strong customer service skills.
Extensive knowledge of benefits programs, policies, procedures and applicable legislation
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience using various computer software applications (Microsoft Office and payroll/benefit systems).
Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work, and coordinate the work activities of others.
Excellent grammar and proofreading skills.
Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

Nice To Haves

Additional Human Resource designations
Experience in higher education Human Resources/Benefits experience
Experience using Human Resources/Benefits information systems (Workday Preferred)
Experience using various reporting software

Responsibilities

Responsible for planning, developing, and redesigning benefits and wellness by completing benefits and wellness surveys and reviewing information obtained from the results, analyzing complex benefits information, forecasting trends and assisting with future benefits and wellness designs, and developing specific recommendations for further review.
Responsible for the administration of GVSU benefit and wellness programs regarding interpreting policy features, enrollment management and other requirements.
Coordinate and disseminate information that requires explanation and interpretation of established university and departmental policies and direct individuals to sources of additional information. This includes fielding and answering various questions (e-mail, phone, in-person) regarding human resources new-hire information and benefits, and resolving complex member claims issues.
Work with the Budget Office and Senior Management Team (executive staff) in annual budget planning for University benefits.
Ensure benefit plan compliance with federal and state laws, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, HIPAA, Social Security, and DOL requirements.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency by documenting and maintaining administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes and auditing the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the university’s benefits and wellness package.
Take a leadership role in the Michigan University Coalition on Health, Inc.
Acts as a benefits and systems expert for HR staff and special projects.
Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
Participates in the hiring process and trains and supervises the day-to-day activities of the Benefits and Wellness staff.
Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership.