Benefits Manager

Lead a people-first benefits program that supports those who serve Avondale—join us as Benefits Manager and make a meaningful impact in public service! This position will remain open until filled. Responsibilities Manages the day-to-day operational activities within the City’s Employee Benefits Programs for employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. These programs include multiple self-insured and fully insured health and welfare voluntary benefit programs, retirement plans, and leave programs. Leads the Benefits division and manages the day-to-day operations, staff, and programs for employees, retirees, and their eligible family members, ensuring that absence and disability management (FMLA, ADA, etc.) and employee assistance services align with the City’s core mission of Making Lives Better. Partners with brokers, agents, and other resources to identify the best programs for City employees; develops long-term strategies for managing legally compliant employee benefit programs while maintaining compliance with City policy; monitors legislative proposals and informs leadership of potential impacts on City-provided benefits; manages third-party administrators/carriers responsible for plan claims and services. Monitors current benefit programs to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and/or enhancements; develops, updates, and maintains all benefits program-related process documentation; serves as a member of the Human Resources leadership team and supports improvements and implementations of Human Resources operations and systems. Administers and supports the maintenance of the employee benefits budget; prepares cost estimates, submits budget justifications, monitors the City’s Stop‑Loss Insurance Programs, and related procurement activities (RFP, CPA, etc.). Recommends policies and procedures, reviews and recommends amendments to plan documents; prepares various educational and promotional materials for City Council, City employees, and the Employee Benefits Trust Board. Coordinates annual open enrollment of employee benefit programs; ensures all new hire, life events, and termination benefits changes and associated deductions are submitted accurately and timely; maintains benefits records and documentation, verifies calculations and statistical data, conducts audits to ensure accuracy of benefits deductions. Works with third‑party support as needed to resolve complex coding and billing; provides ongoing customer service to employees by answering benefits questions and addressing complex inquiries related to benefits policies and procedures; educates employees regarding City‑provided benefits programs and eligibility. Acts as the City’s subject‑matter expert in employee pension and deferred compensation retirement programs, including Public Safety Retirement Safety Program (PSRSP), Elected Official Retirement Program (EORP), Correctional Officer Retirement Plan (CORP), and Arizona State Retirement Plan (ASRS); monitors pension system enrollment, contributions, and applications for retirement. Manages the operations of board meetings, including the Employee Benefit Trust board, local retirement boards, and other employee committees; oversees administrative services to the boards and ensures meetings occur with expected regularity. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Five (5) years of experience in managing a specialized human‑resources program or area of responsibility related to benefits and wellness management, preferably in a government or municipal environment. An equivalent combination of education and job‑related experience may be considered on a year‑for‑year basis. Three (3) years of supervisory experience is required. Knowledge of ERISA, IRS, DOL, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA requirements as they relate to benefit administration of medical, mental health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑term disability, flexible spending, and health savings plans and programs; knowledge of Arizona government employee pension systems and retirement plan programs, including Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans; knowledge of leave and disability management requirements and best practices for administering FMLA, ADA, and Craig Tiger Act programs. Knowledge and skill using HR technology to streamline processes and enhance user experience. A valid Arizona Operator’s Driver License is required. PHR/SPHR or SHRM‑CP certification preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Avondale,-Az