Benefits Manager

This position serves as a trusted resource to employees, a strategic partner to vendors and brokers, and a key collaborator within the Human Resources team. The Benefits Manager also provides support to the Director of Human Resources on projects and other initiatives. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration & Leadership

• Manage the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, life, disability, retirement/403(b), educational benefits, and wellness programs.
• Serve as a trusted resource for faculty and staff regarding benefit programs, enrollment, and claims issues.
• Lead the Fiduciary Retirement Plan Investment Committee.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, vendors, brokers, and internal partners to ensure effective benefit delivery.
• Administer retiree benefits and communicate with retirees regarding benefits-related matters.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable benefit-related laws and regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, CMS Disclosure, 1095-C/1094-C, PCOR fees, Form 5500, Summary Annual Reports (SAR), and Notice of Creditable Coverage.
• Coordinate the annual 403(b) audit.
• Maintain plan documents and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs).
• Process and manage FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and OSHA-related matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and benefits information.

Financial Oversight & Vendor Management

• Monitor self-insured medical and dental claims and provide quarterly projections for budgeting purposes.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and enrollment data.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee transitions to new vendors.
• Partner with the benefits broker to identify recommendations for annual renewals.
• Develop open enrollment strategies and oversee the annual open enrollment process.

Communication, Enrollment & Wellness

• Develop and coordinate benefit communications in collaboration with vendors.
• Conduct new hire orientations related to benefits enrollment.
• Manage implementation of new programs, plan changes, and system changes.
• Serve as a member of the Wellness Committee.
• Coordinate wellness activities and communicate wellness initiatives through a quarterly newsletter.
• Process invoices and reimbursements related to wellness activities.

Payroll & Administrative Support

• Assist Payroll by entering benefit deductions for bi-weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Recommend changes to personnel policies, procedures, and programs related to benefits.
• Assist the Director of Human Resources with special projects.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May provide supervision of Human Resources Department staff and students as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties described. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

Applicants must possess:

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Health, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in employee benefits and retirement administration, workplace wellness, or health program planning,
• or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Core Competencies

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Ethics and values
• Approachable demeanor with strong interpersonal skills
• Functional and technical skills
• Action-oriented work style
• Strong written communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage and measure work effectively

REASONING ABILITY

The position requires the ability to:

• See projects through to completion while consulting with the supervisor when beginning new or unfamiliar work.
• Problem-solve, take initiative, and plan work to meet established timelines.
• Work collegially with all levels of the organization to provide exceptional customer service and resolve issues diplomatically.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires the ability to:

• Spend prolonged periods working on a computer and telephone.
• Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 5 pounds frequently.
• Travel throughout campus to represent the department.
• Work under constant deadlines and frequent interruptions.
• Maintain reliable, predictable attendance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an environmentally controlled office setting with noise levels typical of an office environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At Otterbein, our comprehensive benefits package helps you thrive both professionally and personally, offering:

• Generous tuition benefits for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependents
• Four weeks of paid vacation to relax, recharge, and explore
• 10 days of paid sick time to prioritize your health
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days throughout the year
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Life insurance for added peace of mind
• A defined contribution retirement plan to help you plan for the future
• Wellness initiatives
• And even more ways Otterbein supports your success.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Other duties of a similar nature or level may be assigned.

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/otterbein/jobs/5219542/benefits-manager