Program Director for Human Resources Benefits

Robbinsdale Area Schools•New Hope, MN

2d•$91,705 - $109,404•Onsite

About The Position

Education Service Center (ESC) Program Director Terms and Conditions of Employment Job Level 5 ($91,705 - $109,404 annually plus benefits) based on current director contract 52 weeks, 8 hours of paid time and 30 minutes of unpaid lunch time per day ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for active employees, retirees, and COBRA participants. Manage all aspects of benefits enrollment, including annual open enrollment and new employee onboarding. Maintain and reconcile the district’s benefits tracking system by creating and updating employee and group records to ensure accurate claims, premium payments, and reporting. Provide clear, timely communication to employees regarding benefit options through individual consultations, group meetings, and written materials. Administer required health care reform reporting, including IRS Forms 1095, Medicare reporting, PCORI fees, and other federal and state compliance submissions. Complete annual calendar year-end rollovers of insurance plans, premiums, and all open-enrollment–related changes. Serve as the primary liaison between the district, insurance carriers, and employees to resolve benefit questions and issues. Manage benefit administration in relation to FMLA and Minnesota Paid Leave requirements; communicate statutory provisions to employees. Advise retiring employees and their families on retiree health insurance options and assist with Medicare enrollment forms and related documentation. Manage unemployment insurance processes, including claim review, documentation gathering, and coordination with the district’s unemployment provider. Attend unemployment hearings and other benefit-related proceedings as needed to represent the district and provide accurate records and testimony. Coordinate employee wellness initiatives, including planning, promoting, and evaluating wellness programs that support staff well-being and engagement. Perform other duties as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting within a school district administrative environment. Regular use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment is required. Extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and screen time may be necessary. Occasional standing, walking, lifting, or carrying materials up to 20 pounds may be required. Ability to attend meetings, trainings, and hearings both onsite and at offsite locations. Must be able to maintain focus and accuracy in a busy, interruption-prone environment. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Project Management, Human Resources, or a related field preferred. Knowledge of accounting principles, relevant state and federal regulations, spreadsheet development, basic macros, and mathematical concepts. Experience with Skyward Finance and HR systems preferred. Minimum of two years of human resources experience with an emphasis on employee benefits strongly preferred. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to cafeteria plan administration, FMLA, MN Paid Leave, ADA, ACA, and unemployment processes. Strong computer-based analytical skills; proficiency with Excel, Word, and HRIS systems such as Skyward. Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements, insurance policies, and benefit plan documents. Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, correspondence, and employee communications. Effective verbal communication and presentation skills for working with individuals and groups. Excellent interpersonal skills for working collaboratively with a diverse employee population. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt and make effective decisions in a dynamic fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Project Management, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
Knowledge of accounting principles, relevant state and federal regulations, spreadsheet development, basic macros, and mathematical concepts.
Minimum of two years of human resources experience with an emphasis on employee benefits strongly preferred.
Knowledge of laws and regulations related to cafeteria plan administration, FMLA, MN Paid Leave, ADA, ACA, and unemployment processes.
Strong computer-based analytical skills; proficiency with Excel, Word, and HRIS systems such as Skyward.
Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements, insurance policies, and benefit plan documents.
Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, correspondence, and employee communications.
Effective verbal communication and presentation skills for working with individuals and groups.
Excellent interpersonal skills for working collaboratively with a diverse employee population.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt and make effective decisions in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Skyward Finance and HR systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for active employees, retirees, and COBRA participants.
Manage all aspects of benefits enrollment, including annual open enrollment and new employee onboarding.
Maintain and reconcile the district’s benefits tracking system by creating and updating employee and group records to ensure accurate claims, premium payments, and reporting.
Provide clear, timely communication to employees regarding benefit options through individual consultations, group meetings, and written materials.
Administer required health care reform reporting, including IRS Forms 1095, Medicare reporting, PCORI fees, and other federal and state compliance submissions.
Complete annual calendar year-end rollovers of insurance plans, premiums, and all open-enrollment–related changes.
Serve as the primary liaison between the district, insurance carriers, and employees to resolve benefit questions and issues.
Manage benefit administration in relation to FMLA and Minnesota Paid Leave requirements; communicate statutory provisions to employees.
Advise retiring employees and their families on retiree health insurance options and assist with Medicare enrollment forms and related documentation.
Manage unemployment insurance processes, including claim review, documentation gathering, and coordination with the district’s unemployment provider.
Attend unemployment hearings and other benefit-related proceedings as needed to represent the district and provide accurate records and testimony.
Coordinate employee wellness initiatives, including planning, promoting, and evaluating wellness programs that support staff well-being and engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned.