Benefits Manager

Benefits ManagerWe offer a great benefits package including medical, dental, pension program, HSA, and generous time off. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!POSITION PURPOSE: Under direction of the Human Resources Director, the Benefits Manager plans, administers, evaluates, and coordinates the City of Racine's comprehensive employee and retiree benefit programs, wellness initiatives, and workplace safety strategies. Operating within a municipal framework, this position ensures full statutory compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while managing key vendor relationships, self-insured plan logistics, third-party administration, and retiree coverage. Serving as a trusted liaison between City employees, insurance carriers, and municipal administration, the Benefits Manager collaborates on the design, implementation, and overall management of citywide employee benefits; including health and dental insurance, long-term disability, group life insurance and wellness.ESSENTIAL DUTIESDirect the administration, evaluation, and delivery of health, dental, vision, life, disability, active/retiree wellness, and statutory retirement programs (including coordination with the Wisconsin Retirement System - WRS).Researches, analyzes, administers and evaluates comprehensive employee benefit programs and makes recommendations concerning the design, modification, elimination or development of collectively bargained and non-represented employee benefits.Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including vendor contract negotiation, plan configuration, employee/retiree educational outreach, and system audits.Manage performance and contract compliance for third-party administrators (TPAs), pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), stop-loss providers, and insurance brokers for the City's self-insured health plans.Develop and administer standardized workflows for benefit adjustments resulting from employment separations, qualifying life events, COBRA notices, and retirement transitions.Supervise HR Benefits Coordinator and oversee day-to-day department operations regarding health and leave program administration.Develops and implements employee benefit communication programs including an employee benefits web-site, paper communications, training programs, and new employee orientations.STATUTORY COMPLIANCE, LEAVE & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENTEnsure City compliance with all federal, state, and local standards, including ACA reporting, ERISA guidelines, HIPAA privacy rules, COBRA, and FMLA/WFMLA leave laws.Reviews, approves and monitors all ADA Accommodation requests and family medical leave administration (FMLA) requests.Oversees short-term disability claims, worker's compensation program integration, and return-to-work fitness-for-duty processes.Partner with the Finance Department and HR Leadership to track benefit claims expenditures, analyze utilization trends, and assist with annual municipal budget preparation.Coordinate required government filings, non-discrimination evaluations, state reporting, and distribution of summary plan descriptions (SPDs).Develops and implements comprehensive written policies and procedures concerning the operation and administration of the workman's compensation program.Interacts with elected officials, committees and policy makers regarding changes in the benefit programs; presents recommendations to various boards, committees, commissions; and serves as a representative of the department to professional groups, community agencies and the public.Establishes and maintains effective public and working relations with the general public, department heads, City personnel and various governing bodies.LABOR RELATIONS & EMPLOYEE SUPPORTServe as the primary escalation point for employees, retirees, and dependents in resolving complex benefit claims, coverage disputes, and administrative appeals.Support labor negotiations and collective bargaining processes by providing cost analysis, plan option comparisons, and benefit impact statements for represented employee groups.Administer comprehensive benefit orientation programs for new hires and coordinate pre-retirement counseling for eligible staff.Design and champion municipal wellness initiatives to encourage health risk awareness, reduce long-term claims costs, and support overall employee well-being.ASSOCIATED DUTIESPerform other duties as assigned.Maintains a consistent and reliable attendance record.QUALIFICATIONSKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Knowledge of group medical, dental, and life insurance contracts, claims processing, and benefits administration.Ability to research and resolve complex benefits issues and interpret insurance contracts, policies, procedures, and regulations.Thorough knowledge of employee benefit programs, including plan design, administration, and industry practices.Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting employee benefits.Knowledge of human resources, business administration, insurance management, contract law, and insurance underwriting principles.Ability to interpret and apply City policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements related to employee and retiree benefits.Ability to administer, evaluate, and recommend changes to employee benefit programs and plans.Ability to research and analyze complex information, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations.Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare and present reports.Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and benefits administration software.Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments and projects effectively.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and the public.Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and present information to individuals, boards, and committees.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, or a closely related field.Experience: 5+ years of progressive professional experience in benefits administration and HR operations, including experience in self-insured health plans, worker's compensation, or public-sector leave administration.Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of municipal HRIS and ERP systems (e.g., Tyler Munis, ADP, or Workday), benefits enrollment platforms, and advanced spreadsheet analysis.RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS:Step 1: Application SubmissionSubmit your application and all required materials for consideration.Step 2: Application ScreeningApplications will be reviewed after the job posting closes to assess each applicant's qualifications, experience, and alignment with the position requirements.Step 3: InterviewsSelected candidates will be invited to interview. Interviews are anticipated to take place the week of November 16, 2026.The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.If you would like assistance completing an application or have any questions, please contact the HR Recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io.