Benefits Manager

This position is responsible for administering and maintaining the University's benefit programs. Provides benefit plan/program changes to the Director, while maintaining the institution's objectives and competitive position in the marketplace. This incumbent works collaboratively and communicates with the Human Resources (HR) team, Information Systems, Finance, Budget, Payroll, third‑party administrators, consultants, campus partners, and faculty and staff to collect, monitor, and analyze benefits data and to provide feedback, make appropriate recommendations, and ensure compliance. Job Description *This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non‑immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Essential Functions Manage the daily benefits administration including medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, dental, vision, supplemental, and life insurance plans. Serve as the liaison for the retirement process for faculty and staff including retiree benefits, administration, communication, events, and open enrollment. Provided vendor management of external partners, including contract review and oversight for service level agreements. Acts as the primary liaison with insurance brokers, carriers, vendors and third‑party administrators. Monitor plan performance and address any service or claims issues. Evaluates program effectiveness, recommends improvements, and analyzes trends to ensure competitive offerings. Monitor industry trends and best practices, evaluate peer benchmark data, and recommend new or enhancement/changes to existing benefit programs. Manage the open enrollment process for active faculty and staffing including planning, communication, and administration. Lead the development of benefits‑related communication including benefits guidebook, flyers, newsletters, online resources, and presents new employee benefits orientation. Provide exceptional customer service comprehensive support and assistance while counseling employees regarding benefit plans, complex issues, policies, claims, and eligibility inquiries. Budget 25% Reviews, processes, and reconciles all third‑party administrator billing. Manage the fringe benefits budget and prepare updates to support data‑driven decisions. Support management’s decision‑making process by analyzing options and projecting future costs. Compliance 20% Manage compliance with the Affordable Care Act process and compliance efforts. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements (i.e. ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA). Ensure annual filings, reporting, and plan documentation are up to date. Stay up to date on legal changes. Systems Support 10% Manage data integration files between the University and third‑party administrators and lead benefits‑related enhancements and updates in Workday. Evaluate and seek to improve benefits operating systems, processes, and efficiencies. Analyzes business requirements and system capabilities. Participates in the design, implementation, and testing of new benefits systems and system enhancements. Develops and executes test scripts, validates results, and ensures data integrity across HR, payroll, and benefits platforms. Team Management 5% Provide supervisory oversight to the Benefits Specialist position. Develops team work plans, establishes priorities, and leads the implementation of process improvements and new initiatives. Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three years of benefits‑related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Solid experience of accounting and budgeting. Solid experience of benefit programs and administration. General knowledge of HR functions. Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data. Proven ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive HR information. Knowledge of superior customer service standards, with the ability to project a cooperative and professional demeanor when working with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in person, email, or by phone. Excellent attention to details. Proficient with technology (i.e. web, email/calendar, Google Office Suite, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, basic reporting tools, ERP systems). Ability to work efficiently and effectively and prioritize in a multitasking environment. Ability to work in a team‑oriented, continuous improvement, and customer‑centric environment and to quickly adapt to new procedures. Must be able to complete work by deadlines that are provided. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Experience with Workday. Experience in higher education. Five years of benefits experience. Two years experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity. GBA/CEBS/SPHR/PHR certification. Accountabilities Responsible for own work. Physical Requirements Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. Talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Close visual acuity. Environmental Conditions Subject to inside environmental conditions. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Additional Job Description Time Type Requirement Full time Note to Applicant This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform job‑related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor. In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status. Accommodations for Applicants If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr