Mgr,HR Benefits

The University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of New Mexico’s Division of Human Resources is seeking a dedicated, collaborative and people-centered Benefits Manager who enjoys making a meaningful impact across our university community. The successful candidate will bring significant, directly related experience administering and managing employee benefits programs, including oversight of eligibility, enrollment, plan administration, vendor coordination, issue resolution, and employee communications. This role manages and enhances a broad portfolio of benefits programs—including health, retirement, leave, and related offerings—through thoughtful strategic and operational leadership. The position partners closely with internal stakeholders and vendors, ensures regulatory compliance, leads process and system improvements, and serves as a trusted subject matter expert for complex benefits inquiries. This role is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operational oversight of University benefits programs and requires a thorough understanding of benefits processes, plan design, and applicable federal and state regulations. In addition, this position will have the unique opportunity to support and help shape the University's transition to a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, leveraging benefits expertise to inform system design, improve processes, strengthen data integrity, and enhance the overall employee and benefits administration experience. By contributing to benefits strategy, program design, and clear communications, this role helps ensure our benefits programs reflect and support the University’s mission, values, and commitment to employee well‑being.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Progressively responsible, directly related experience administering comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health and welfare, retirement, leave, and voluntary benefit plans, within a complex organization.
Demonstrated experience overseeing day-to-day benefits operations, including eligibility, enrollment, life event processing, employee communications, issue resolution, and coordination with benefits vendors.
Strong knowledge of state and federal benefits laws and regulatory compliance.
Ability to develop and implement benefits policies, procedures, and communications.
Demonstrated use of data and reporting to support benefits decisions and cost control.
Experience improving benefits processes, systems, and service delivery.
Proven supervisory experience, including staff development and performance management.
Experience with benefits systems, vendor management, and MS Office tools.
Strong communication and strategic planning skills related to benefits administration.
Experience serving as a subject matter expert for complex benefits issues and interpreting benefits plan provisions, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage employee benefits programs.
Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
Maintain accurate records of employee benefits.
Ensure compliance with relevant UNM policies, state, and federal regulations.
Assist in the development and implementation of new benefits programs and policies.
Manages and oversees personnel.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.