Manager, Benefits

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Manager plays a key role in advancing WGU’s total rewards strategy by leading a team of Benefits Analysts and serving as the primary subject matter expert for retirement programs and healthcare savings plans. This role shapes the experience of employees across the university by stewarding complex benefit operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and vendor partnerships.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of employee benefits trends, laws, and regulations, especially related to retirement and healthcare savings plans.
Strong understanding of HRIS processes and cross‑functional impacts across enterprise systems.
Ability to conduct root‑cause analysis, identify drivers of outcomes, and recommend improvements.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with senior leadership, cross‑functional partners, and external vendors.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to interpret technical HR materials and present complex information clearly.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment with shifting priorities.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a large organization with 1,000+ benefits‑eligible employees.
Workday experience.
CEBS, SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification.
Proficiency in Spanish as we also support WGU Mexico

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of Benefits Analysts to ensure effective execution of day‑to‑day benefits administration and employee support.
Serve as the subject matter expert for retirement programs, healthcare savings plans, and benefit integration files, including interpreting and implementing new regulations and policies.
Oversee administrative functions for retirement and healthcare savings plans, including audits, filings, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple operational and strategic benefits activities.
Conduct and review data reconciliations, audits, configuration checks, and utilization reporting across internal and external systems.
Provide project ownership and support for Open Enrollment, annual renewals, vendor file updates, and other critical initiatives.
Participate in benchmarking, survey responses, process improvement efforts, and governance support activities.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare: medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental health support
HSA and FSA options
Life and disability insurance, with optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
Legal assistance and identity protection
Retirement savings plan
Wellbeing programs
Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
Flexible PTO and Sick time — no accrual required
11 paid holidays
Additional paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave