Benefits Manager

About the Position: The Benefits Manager manages the planning, administration, and delivery of the University’s comprehensive benefits programs, contributing to an exceptional employee experience for faculty and staff across campus. This position directly manages the benefits team and oversees day-to-day operations of SMU’s health plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and leave administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence. The Benefits Manager ensures programs are compliant, competitive, cost effective, and aligned with institutional priorities. Essential Functions: Benefits Program Administration – Oversee the administration and ongoing management of benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits. Ensure accurate processing of enrollments, changes, terminations, eligibility verification, and recordkeeping. Maintain operational excellence and consistency in service delivery. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight – Ensure all benefit programs comply with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA). Maintain and update plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related materials. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates. Vendor & Contract Management – Manage relationships with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, brokers, and third‑party administrators. Oversee service delivery, performance standards, billing and reconciliation processes, and contract renewals or modifications. Identify opportunities for improved service, cost savings, and operational efficiencies. Communication & Employee Support / Education – Develop and deliver clear, accessible benefits communications and education materials. Serve as a key resource for employees by providing guidance on benefit options, open enrollment, life events, leave, and retirement. Ensure a high level of customer service and responsiveness. Lead planning and execution of the University’s annual Benefits Fair, coordinating with internal partners and external vendors to deliver a high‑impact, campus‑wide event that promotes employee engagement, education, and awareness in advance of open enrollment. Data Management, Reporting & Analytics – Maintain accurate benefits data within HRIS and vendor systems. Produce regular reports on enrollment, utilization, cost trends, and leave activity. Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and support recommendations for enhancements or cost‑management strategies. Strategic Planning & Program Design Support – Partner with the CHRO and Sr. Vice President of Business and Finance to evaluate and enhance benefits offerings, including plan design, benchmarking against peer institutions, and cost‑benefit analysis. Assess market trends and employee needs to support the development of competitive and sustainable programs. Leave of Absence & Retirement/Separation Administration – Oversee administration of leave programs (including FMLA and medical leave), retirement processes, retiree benefits, and benefits‑related aspects of employee separations. Ensure a smooth and compliant experience for employees navigating these transitions. Management – Manage and develop benefits team staff, ensuring high performance, accountability, and professional growth. Assign and prioritize work, establish quality standards, and provide training and guidance. Ensure service expectations are met and support a collaborative and service‑oriented team environment. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s is required. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience is required. Experience managing and administering comprehensive benefits programs is also required, as is experience managing/leading a professional staff. Experience with self‑funded health plans is strongly preferred. Experience in higher education desired. Professional certification, such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), is a plus. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation and the ability to explain "insurance speak" to faculty and staff in a way that is empowering and easy are essential. Candidate must have a working knowledge and strong understanding of relevant federal and state regulations applicable to qualified benefits plan administration (i.e., FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, ACA). Must also have the ability to handle sensitive employee situations with empathy and a high level of integrity when handling confidential PHI (Protected Health Information) and sensitive employee data. A compassionate approach to leave administration (FMLA) and retirement transitions, making difficult processes feel manageable for our faculty and staff is essential. Candidate must possess strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time‑management skills with a strong focus on attention to detail. Candidate must have the ability to negotiate with brokers and carriers to ensure SMU receives optimal pricing and service‑level agreements (SLAs). Must also have strong vendor‑management skills and the ability to hold vendors accountable while maintaining a collaborative relationship. Knowledge of 403(b) plan administration and the ability to interface with investment committees is preferred. Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of MS Office, advanced skills in Excel preferred. A working knowledge of an HRIS benefits‑module is also required; PeopleSoft preferred. Proven ability to lead large‑scale projects like open enrollment and a knack for data analytics to evaluate cost trends and program effectiveness are preferred. Candidate must be able to work evenings and/or weekends occasionally during peak seasons. Physical and Environmental Demands Sit for long periods of time #J-18808-Ljbffr