Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist

The first date of consideration is September 28, 2026, and review of applications will continue until position is filled. If meeting minimum qualifications with education, please include an unofficial transcript with your application. Official transcript required at time of hire, if applicable.

Position Title - Benefits Specialist

Work Location - Springfield Campus

Out-of-State Employment - Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.

Department - Office of Human Resources

HR Home Department - 060103 OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Pay Grade - 42

Proposed Salary - $22.59-$23.55/hour

Sponsorship Information - Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees? - No, Position is available to all applicants.

Appointment Type - Full Time Regular

Exempt/Non-Exempt - Non-Exempt

General Function - The Benefits Specialist works with employees and their departments regarding the University's benefits package, such as, among other responsibilities, the state retirement systems, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, voluntary benefits, and the state's cafeteria plan. The Benefits Specialist processes enrollments, terminations, and changes to enrollments, maintains and updates the University database for specific benefit programs, prepares, reviews, and authorizes related payment reports and benefit-related accounts payable; performs benefit-related audits; and works with vendors to administer all University benefit programs, including, but not limited to, COBRA and retiree continuation plans. The position requires strong analytical, organizational, data entry, and communication skills; a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and charts; the ability to recognize patterns and identify discrepancies in data; and the ability to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for process improvement. The Benefits Specialist works as part of a small team and provides support for additional benefits-related functions, including leave administration and reviewing internal benefits associated with the University's organizational structure. The position requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and understand and comply with HIPAA privacy regulations and other applicable laws and regulations.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications - Education/Experience: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred. With a high school diploma or the equivalent, three years of progressively responsible administrative experience required; with a Bachelor's degree, one year of progressively responsible administrative experience is required. Experience in Human Resources and/or benefits administration is preferred; however, demonstrated proficiency in the skills required for the position is essential. Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively through extensive email correspondence with employees, departments, vendors, and professionals within higher education. Effective interpersonal skills are required. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, is required, including the ability to organize, analyze, and manipulate data using formulas, filters, pivot tables, charts, and other appropriate Excel functions. The ability to recognize patterns, identify discrepancies, interpret data, and use information to support accurate decision-making is required. Strong data entry skills and exceptional attention to detail are required. The ability to learn and use an administrative business system, such as Banner, is required. Must have knowledge of or have the ability to acquire knowledge of relevant employment laws, benefit regulations, FMLA and HIPAA privacy requirements. Must understand the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality when handling employee benefit and personal information. The ability to review existing processes, identify inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement, and recommend or implement process improvements is required. Basic knowledge of and comfort with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the ability to appropriately use emerging technology in the workplace is preferred. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, think about employee and benefit issues from the full-picture perspective, and provide accurate and appropriate guidance to employees. Must be able to work effectively as part of a small team and provide support for additional benefits-related functions as needed.

Missouri State University