Benefits Manager - Open to the Public

Benefits Manager

Cincinnati Public Schools serves 36,000 students preschool to 12th grade in over 65 schools across a 90-square-mile district in Southwest Ohio. Cincinnati Public Schools is the best-performing large urban district in Ohio and ranks among the top 2 percent of Ohio districts for students' learning and growth and offers families high-quality school choices and academic programs.

The district's innovative approach to education, its investment in effective and caring educators and employees, and vast array of collaborative partnerships have accelerated school performance to the highest level in decades - ensuring that students in preschool to 12th grade thrive and graduate prepared for successful lives in the 21st century.

Cincinnati Public is looking for creative, innovative, passionate, problem-solvers to join our team. We seek to have a positive impact on our children and families every day and are looking for staff members who want to not only do an excellent job with their career field but also serve as a role model for the children in CPS. We invite you to become a member of our CPS work family.

Position Summary:

Cincinnati Public Schools is seeking a qualified Benefits Manager to oversee the strategic administration of employee benefits for a diverse workforce. The successful candidate will lead all benefit operations including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance programs (EAP), health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), voluntary supplemental policies, and tax-sheltered annuities (403(b) and 457). This role also oversees the district's annual open enrollment process and plays a key part in supporting audits, compliance, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and administer all CPS benefit programs, including:
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (e.g., critical illness, accident, disability)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tax-sheltered annuities
• Leaves of Absence, FMLA, ADA
• Lead and coordinate the district's annual open enrollment process
• Serve as the primary contact with benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators, as well as the Benefits Strategic Partner.
• Ensure data accuracy in the HRIS (Business Plus system); conduct regular audits and reconciliations
• Generate and analyze reports to support strategic decisions and cost management
• Communicate benefit plans and processes clearly to employees and retirees
• Ensure full compliance with ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS, DOL, and other relevant regulations
• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, and IT to ensure proper deductions and data flow
• Support benefit transitions for retirees and separating employees
• Provide regular updates to Internal Auditors and the Audit Committee regarding benefit-related findings, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Supervise benefits team members and foster a customer-service-focused culture
• Monitor industry trends and recommend cost-effective, competitive benefit improvements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 5 years of experience in public or education setting
• Data analysis, reporting, and HRIS management experience
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state benefit regulations
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• High degree of confidentiality and professionalism
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and related reporting tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with STRS/SERS or other public retirement systems
• Experience with the Business Plus HRIS platform

EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS

Type of Contract: Limited – 260 Day Contract

Salary: Manager I Per CAAS Agreement

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applicants are invited to complete their application online at Apply Here and click on "Apply Online."

Cincinnati Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and is subject to federal regulations pertaining to employment. The district has a continuing non-discrimination policy which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER