Benefits Manager

University of St Thomas•Saint Paul, MN

23h•$82,090 - $105,700

About The Position

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Benefits Manager position within Human Resources. The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, compliance and operational management of the University’s employee benefits programs. This role oversees the Benefits Team, serves as the primary liaison to the university’s benefits broker and vendors, and ensures all benefit plans are aligned with regulatory requirements and university objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
Five years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefit plans (ERISA, ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, MN Paid Family Leave).
Proficiency with HRIS/benefits administration systems
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted

Responsibilities

Manages and oversees the administration of the University’s comprehensive benefits portfolio, including but not limited to health and welfare, tuition programs, retirement plans, leave administration, and additional fringe benefits.
Analyzes benefits trends and utilization data to inform recommendations for plan design and/or cost management.
Provides recommendations to leadership on plan design changes, cost-containment strategies, benefit competitiveness, and vendor performance.
Leads annual open enrollment administration planning and execution.
Serves as the primary contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and other third-party administrators.
Coordinates the annual review and updates of vendor contracts, service agreements, and plan documents.
Ensures the University’s benefit plans comply with federal, state and local laws (ERISA, ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, and Section 125 requirements).
Oversees preparation for internal and external audits.
Manages annual reporting obligations and required notices.
Maintains accurate plan records and documentation.
Supervises the Benefits Team, including hiring, training, work direction, and performance development.
Develops team work plans, establishes priorities, and leads the implementation of process improvements and new initiatives.
Manages and oversees the review and reconciliation process of vendor invoices.
Provides guidance on complex benefits questions and escalated issues.
Analyzes business requirements and system capabilities.
Participates in the design, implementation, and testing of new benefits systems and system enhancements.
Develops and executes test scripts, validates results, and ensures data integrity across HR, payroll, and benefits platforms.
Works with various internal and external stakeholders: Brokers, University communities, Fringe Benefits Advisory Committee, Retirement Investment Committee, Vendors, Government agencies, Cross-functional teams regarding benefit related initiatives.
Develops and delivers employee communications, presentations, and other benefits resources.