Benefits Specialist

About This Role

This position exists to administer the State Employee Health Plan and provide excellent benefits customer service at Kansas State University. This position interprets policy and state statute on behalf of the University. This position consults with employees regarding their benefits during employment and at separation.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for K-State insurance policies and the State of Kansas employee health plan.
• Provide day-to-day management and delivery of health insurance plan information and associated medical benefits for all benefit-eligible employees. Develop and deliver communications to educate employees regarding health insurance enrollments, changes, and separations.
• Prepare for and organize all aspects of State Employee Health Plan annual open enrollment to include providing information sessions for employees and HR liaisons.
• Review changes in the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) policies and processes and ensure accuracy in payroll deductions.
• Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of all K-State employee benefits and provide information and guidance to employees, supervisors, and administration regarding all available benefits.
• Conduct retirement consultations educating employees on rules, regulations, deadlines, and decisions to be considered when retiring from a benefit- eligible position at K-State.
• Provide Medicare resources and guidance and assist employees with questions regarding State Employee Health Plan retiree coverage. Complete CMS-L564 forms and facilitate educational opportunities related to Medicare and SEHP retiree insurance.
• Administer Teachers and Employees Association (TEA) Voluntary Benefit Programs and KPERS Optional Group Life Insurance Plans.
• Establish and maintain relationships with insurance brokers, carriers, KPERS, and other program partners, serving as TEA's representative on insurance matters.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment communications and planning, as well as new employee and mid-year enrollments and changes.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for auxiliary health plan components including flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement account (HRA), state wellness program (HealthQuest) and additional state-offered benefits.
• Provide information and guidance to employees regarding plan provisions including IRS contribution limits and eligible expenses for each plan.

About Us

The Division of Human Resources partners with leaders, faculty, and staff across Kansas State University to build a thriving, people-centered workplace that supports the university's mission of teaching, research, and service. Our team advances initiatives that strengthen the employee experience, promote professional growth, and support a high-performing and engaged workforce.

The division includes approximately 50 professionals delivering strategic and operational HR services to the campus community. Key functional areas include ASC-HR, Benefits, Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Relations and Engagement, ERP Systems, Resource Center Operations, Talent Acquisition, Talent and Organizational Development, and Time and Leave. Together, these teams partner with campus units to provide responsive HR support, enhance organizational effectiveness, and help attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid eligible .

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience
• Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or related field
• One year of experience planning, directing, organizing, managing, or administering human resource functions
• Experience with Excel structure and formulas, databases, human resources programs, information storage and retrieval
• Knowledge of health insurance regulations and IRS rules and publications that govern tax- favored health plans
• Knowledge of federal laws applicable to comprehensive benefit programs
• Ability to effectively and clearly communicate and express ideas
• Ability to present technical information to a diverse group of employees
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administration, employees, vendors, and employee's financial consultants
• Ability to gauge an employee or audience understanding and knowledge level of benefit programs and adapt communication as necessary
• Ability to analyze human resource issues and formulate logical recommendations
• Initiative and self-discipline

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: 08/30/2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$50,000 - $59,500