Employee Benefits Manager

Association of Washington Cities • Olympia, WA

1d • $97,402 - $146,104 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a collaborative, service-oriented full-time Employee Benefits Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust (Trust). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced benefits professional who thrives in a leadership role, enjoys improving processes, and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to Washington’s cities and towns. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, which provides a wide array of services to all 281 cities and towns in the State of Washington. AWC builds connections between our state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. AWC is a vibrant, fast-paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members. The Trust is a member service of the AWC and is Washington’s premier local government benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. The Trust provides a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs for members. About the position: The Employee Benefits Manager oversees the Trust’s benefit operations, supervises a team of four staff, and works closely with the Trust’s administrative vendors, member employers, employees, retirees, and service providers. This position plays a key role in ensuring smooth program operations, staff development, and high quality support to members. The position manages strategic plan implementation, leads vendor relationships, guides staff providing technical assistance on benefit eligibility and enrollment, supports compliance with HIPAA privacy and security rules, and prepares materials for governance groups. The Employee Benefits Manager also collaborates closely with internal partners across the organization and provides staffing support for various events.

Requirements

• 5 years’ experience in benefits administration, preferably in the public sector, including local government or with a multi-employer association or non-profit organization.
• 2 years’ experience in a supervisory position or demonstrated ability.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement.
• HIPAA privacy training.
• Must maintain a Washington State driver’s license in good standing.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive understanding of benefit plan components (deductibles, coinsurance, copays, formularies).
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state health care laws and regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and time sensitive information.
• Experienced in giving presentations to both large and small audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and capacity to learn new systems.
• Clear understanding of fundamental math, accounting principles, and financial practices.
• Commitment to high quality customer service and DEI principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations of the Employee Benefit Trust.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of four benefits staff.
• Assist in the administration of the medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, EAP, long-term care, and tax favored account programs.
• Conduct regular vendor meetings and ensure follow through on tasks and projects.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
• Prepare materials and present information to governance and advisory groups.
• Manage annual governance and advisory committee election activities.
• Write, proof, and advise on Trust related communications.
• Staff various Trust and AWC events.
• Collaborate across AWC departments and maintain external professional relationships.
• Support continuity of operations and lead special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26. Dental and vision insurance are 100% employer-paid for employees and eligible dependents.
• For every $1 an employee contributes toward their 401(k), AWC matches the contribution with $1.20, up to 10% of the employee’s base salary, subject to IRS thresholds. Employer match can also be applied towards eligible student loan payments.
• Four hours of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment for every semi-monthly pay period, with vacation accrual increasing over time; four hours of paid sick leave for every semi-monthly pay period; 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year.
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance; employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1,980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.
• This position is eligible for telework subject to approval and as determined by AWC.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager