Benefits Manager

Otterbein University is seeking an experienced and collaborative Benefits Manager to lead the administration of the university’s comprehensive employee benefits programs and to ensure an exceptional experience for faculty and staff. This position serves as a trusted resource to employees, a strategic partner to vendors and brokers, and a key collaborator within the Human Resources team. The Benefits Manager also provides support to the Director of Human Resources on projects and other initiatives. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Benefits Administration & Leadership Manage the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, life, disability, retirement/403(b), educational benefits, and wellness programs. Serve as a trusted resource for faculty and staff regarding benefit programs, enrollment, and claims issues. Lead the Fiduciary Retirement Plan Investment Committee. Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, vendors, brokers, and internal partners to ensure effective benefit delivery. Administer retiree benefits and communicate with retirees regarding benefits-related matters. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable benefit-related laws and regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, CMS Disclosure, 1095-C/1094-C, PCOR fees, Form 5500, Summary Annual Reports (SAR), and Notice of Creditable Coverage. Coordinate the annual 403(b) audit. Maintain plan documents and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs). Process and manage FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, and OSHA-related matters. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and benefits information. Financial Oversight & Vendor Management Monitor self-insured medical and dental claims and provide quarterly projections for budgeting purposes. Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and enrollment data. Manage vendor relationships and oversee transitions to new vendors. Partner with the benefits broker to identify recommendations for annual renewals. Develop open enrollment strategies and oversee the annual open enrollment process. Communication, Enrollment & Wellness Develop and coordinate benefit communications in collaboration with vendors. Conduct new hire orientations related to benefits enrollment. Manage implementation of new programs, plan changes, and system changes. Serve as a member of the Wellness Committee. Coordinate wellness activities and communicate wellness initiatives through a quarterly newsletter. Process invoices and reimbursements related to wellness activities. Payroll & Administrative Support Assist Payroll by entering benefit deductions for bi-weekly and monthly payrolls. Recommend changes to personnel policies, procedures, and programs related to benefits. Assist the Director of Human Resources with special projects. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May provide supervision of Human Resources Department staff and students as needed. Other Duties Perform additional duties as assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties described. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience Applicants must possess: A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Health, or a related field. Three (3) or more years of direct experience in employee benefits administration and retirement administration, workplace wellness, or health program planning, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Core Competencies Candidates must demonstrate: Ethics and values Approachable demeanor with strong interpersonal skills Functional and technical skills Action-oriented work style Strong written communication skills Time management and organizational skills Ability to manage and measure work effectively Reasoning Ability The position requires the ability to: See projects through to completion while consulting with the supervisor when beginning new or unfamiliar work. Problem-solve, take initiative, and plan work to meet established timelines. Work collegially with all levels of the organization to provide exceptional customer service and resolve issues diplomatically. Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Physical Demands This role requires the ability to: Spend prolonged periods working on a computer and telephone. Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 5 pounds frequently. Travel throughout campus to represent the department. Work under constant deadlines and frequent interruptions. Maintain reliable, predictable attendance. Work Environment Work is performed in an environmentally controlled office setting with noise levels typical of an office environment. To apply: Complete the on-line application and submit a cover letter and resume. At Otterbein, our comprehensive benefits package helps you thrive both professionally and personally, offering: Generous tuition benefits for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependents Four weeks of paid vacation to relax, recharge, and explore 10 days of paid sick time to prioritize your health 12 paid holidays plus bonus days throughout the year Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family Life insurance for added peace of mind A defined contribution retirement plan to help you plan for the future Wellness initiatives And even more ways Otterbein supports your success. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty. Otterbein University’s achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr