Total Rewards & Operations Specialist

Location 2001 Union Carbide Drive, Building 2000, South Charleston, WV

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Total Rewards & Operations Specialist is a mid-level individual contributor responsible for administering employee engagement and total rewards programs, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits, leave management, retirement plan administration, and other HR administration duties. This role ensures programs are compliant, efficient, and delivered with a strong focus on customer service and positive employee experiences. The Specialist executes benefits and leave processes with attention to regulatory compliance, administers retirement plan transactions, conducts regular benefit audits, manages recruitment and onboarding activities, and leads annual open enrollment efforts. This position completes transactional work in HR systems and processes, serves as purchase card holder for departmental procurement, and acts as a key resource for employees and institutional HR partners.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employee Engagement & Total Rewards (50%) Administer benefits and leave programs (e.g., FMLA, PEIA) in compliance with federal and state regulations. Administer the retirement plan, including processing all related transactions and ensuring accurate recordkeeping. Conduct regular benefit audits to ensure data accuracy; identify and correct errors in a timely manner. Lead annual open enrollment discussions, presentations, and communications to employees. Coordinate full-cycle recruitment activities and manage onboarding processes to support a positive employee experience. Serve as purchase card holder; procure HR services and supplies in accordance with state policies and procedures. Provide responsive, customer-focused guidance to employees and institutional partners on benefits, leave, retirement, and HR-related processes. Compliance, Reporting & Process Improvement (25%) Complete transactional data entry and generate reports within HR systems, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation for benefits, leave, retirement, recruitment, and onboarding activities. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and service quality. Ensure adherence to established standards, policies, and documentation practices. Collaboration & Institutional Partnership (25%) Serve as a liaison to institutional HR contacts on benefits, leave, retirement, recruitment, and employee engagement matters. Partner with HR Systems to support accurate data integration, reporting, and process functionality. Coordinate with Classification & Compensation to ensure alignment of total rewards programs. Contribute operational insight to cross-functional initiatives and projects. Support the broader HR team and assist with other HR tasks or priorities regularly.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Benefits administration, leave programs (FMLA, PEIA), and retirement plan processing Federal and state employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA) and regulatory compliance Recruitment, onboarding, and HR operations workflows Public-sector procurement and PCard compliance requirements Customer service and employee support delivery Benefits auditing, discrepancy identification, and error resolution Presentation and facilitation of meetings (e.g., open enrollment) Process coordination, operational execution, and workflow management Accurate data entry, HR systems navigation, and documentation tracking Clear communication of policies, benefits, and procedures Ability to manage multiple deadlines and high-volume workloads simultaneously Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality in administrative processes Identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical process improvements Building effective working relationships with internal and external partners Adapting to changing regulations, systems, and organizational needs

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education Bachelor's degree (directly related work experience can be substituted for the degree) Work Experience: Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including in areas such as benefits, leave, retirement, recruitment, or onboarding. Working knowledge of employment laws (FMLA, ADA) and ability to ensure accuracy and compliance in high-volume HR processes. Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently. Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in public sector or higher education environments Experience with HR systems (ATS), benefits (PEIA), and retirement plans (e.g., TIAA) Familiarity with procurement/PCard processes and experience leading benefits or open enrollment presentations Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks. Equal Opportunity Employer The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff. Employer WV Higher Education Policy Commission Address 2001 Union Carbide Drive Building 2000 South Charleston, West Virginia, 25303 Great careers aren't just about the job — they're about the whole package. At theWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), we're looking for talented people who want more than just a paycheck. If you value purpose-driven work, financial security, and time to live your life, keep reading. At the Commission and Council, we work every day to expand educational opportunities and improve quality of life for West Virginians. We know education is essential to building a strong workforce—today and for the future—and our efforts impact 60,000 students each year. In partnership with our state’s colleges and universities, we strive to make postsecondary education more affordable, accessible, and attainable. The Short Version What You Get The Details Shorter Work Week 37.5 hours — not the standard 40 Flexibility Hybrid schedule with remote and in-office days Time Off 24 days annual leave + 18 days sick leave + all WV state holidays Retirement 401(a) with 6% match, plus 403(b) & 457(b) options Healthcare Multiple medical plans + comprehensive ancillary benefits Environment You'll work in a modern office with real amenities — think outside walking paths, an on-campus café, and plenty of space to spread out. But it's not just about the space. It's about a culture that gives you room to grow and work that actually matters. Let's Talk About Retirement (Seriously) Most people gloss over retirement benefits. Don't. Our plan isn't your grandfather's pension — it's better. With a6% employer match on your 401(a)and access toboth 403(b) and 457(b) accounts, you can strategically save in ways that could replacewell over 100% of your working incomewhen you retire. That's not a typo. That's planning done right. Time Off That Actually Lets You Recharge 24 days of annual leave accrued per year 18 days of sick leave— because life happens Every West Virginia state holiday— and if you know WV, you know that's a lot of days off Add it all up, and you'll have the time you need to travel, rest, handle family obligations, or simply enjoy a long weekend. Flexibility Without the Fine Print Our hybrid work model gives you the best of both worlds — in-office collaboration and the convenience of remote work. And we don't just offer flexibility; we equip you for it. Expect dual monitors, quality peripherals, and the tools you need to be productive at home and in the office. Benefits Beyond the Basics Health coverage:Choose from multiple medical plan options tailored to different needs and budgets. Ancillary benefits:Dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA options, and more — the full suite of coverage to protect you and your family. The Work Itself Let's not forget why you're here:the job. The Commission and Council offers: Challenging, engaging workthat keeps you learning A service-oriented missionwhere your efforts create real impact in higher education policy Opportunities for advancement— we promote from within and invest in your growth A welcoming office environment— modern space, good people, positive culture The Bottom Line You deserve a workplace that respects your time, invests in your future, and gives you room to thrive. That's exactly what you'll find at the Commission and Council. Interested? Let's talk. Benefits The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Health Insurance Life Insurance Vision Hearing Legal Services Flexible Spending Accounts Health Savings Account 401(a)Retirement Account with 6% Employer Matching Contribution Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Accounts #J-18808-Ljbffr West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission