State Prog Admin Manager - System Manager for Benefits
About The Position
The position is accountable for the overall effectiveness, quality, and consistency of benefits and retirement service delivery across the Minnesota State system. Plan, organize, direct, and manage systemwide benefits and retirement administration functions for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. This position provides strategic and operational leadership over benefits delivery within the HR Shared Services model, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and compliant services across the enterprise. The incumbent is accountable for establishing vision, priorities, and performance expectations for benefits operations and for building a high-performing team that delivers responsive, customer-focused services. This role ensures alignment between enterprise strategy, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.
Requirements
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional HR experience in benefits, retirement, payroll, HRIS, or related disciplines.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
- Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
- Experience administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and ACA compliance.
- Experience interpreting employment laws, contracts, and policies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Nice To Haves
- Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).
- Experience in a public sector or unionized environment.
- Experience with Minnesota State systems (e.g., Workday, SCUPPS/SEMA4) and retirement plan administration.
- Experience leading change initiatives or shared services operations.
- Knowledge of higher education HR and benefits practices.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, direct, and manage systemwide benefits and retirement administration functions for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership over benefits delivery within the HR Shared Services model.
- Establish vision, priorities, and performance expectations for benefits operations.
- Build a high-performing team that delivers responsive, customer-focused services.
- Ensure alignment between enterprise strategy, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations.
- Drive continuous improvement and service excellence.
Benefits
- Low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
- Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling
- 12 paid holidays
- Generous vacation and sick time
- Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Pension Plan
- 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts
- Various investment options
- Professional development
- Tuition waivers for both you and your dependents
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
