Human Resources Senior Specialist

State of Utah•Taylorsville, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid position, meaning it will involve both remote work and in-office presence. The Human Resources Senior Specialist will support the HR Manager in making strategic and operational benefits decisions and serve as a subject matter expert for the statewide benefits package. The role involves providing consultation, guidance, and recommendations to internal partners and senior leaders across state government. Responsibilities include recommending and implementing program goals, developing and revising rules and policies, coordinating program activities with third-party administrators and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, researching market trends, analyzing benefits-related data, preparing reports, developing and delivering training, and mentoring staff. The position also involves leading projects and committees, facilitating meetings, collaborating with executive-level stakeholders, and overseeing operations for efficiency and compliance. The role requires hands-on benefits experience, proven experience advising leadership, a strong understanding of benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA), data analysis skills, project leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to manage complex issues with discretion. A degree in Human Resources or related field is helpful, but equivalent professional experience may be substituted.

Requirements

Hands-on benefit experience required.
Other closely related HR specialty experience may be used to augment some direct benefit experience.
Proven experience advising leadership and executive-level stakeholders.
Strong understanding of benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA).
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
Experience leading projects or process-improvement initiatives.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage sensitive, complex issues with discretion and independent judgment.
A degree in Human Resources or a related field is helpful but equivalent professional experience may be substituted in full.

Responsibilities

Supports the HR Manager in making strategic and operational benefits decisions.
Serves as one of the subject matter experts for the statewide benefits package.
Provides input on consultation, guidance, and recommendations to internal partners and senior leaders across state government.
Recommend and implement program goals, objectives, and enhancements.
Develop, revise, and maintain rules, policies, standards, and operating procedures.
Coordinate program activities and benefit implementations with third-party administrators, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Research market trends and emerging benefit offerings; analyze potential impacts on statewide programs.
Collect, analyze, and interpret benefits-related data.
Prepare reports and present findings to various audiences, including senior leaders.
Develop and deliver training materials, presentations, and instructional resources.
Write copy and other communications to promote employee benefits.
Mentor and train staff on rules, practices, and procedures.
Lead projects, committees, and work groups; delegate tasks and monitor progress.
Facilitate meetings and collaborate with executive-level stakeholders.
Respond independently to inquiries and correspondence, including communication with executive-level officials.
Oversee workflow to ensure program objectives and deadlines are met.
Evaluate program operations for efficiency, quality, and compliance, and recommend improvements.