OKNG State Benefits Program Manager

Job Title OKNG State Benefits Program Manager Agency 025 OKLAHOMA MILITARY DEPARTMENT Job Description Salary: $70,000 Benefits: This is a full‑time state position that provides a percentage of matching contributions to employees’ retirement plans, 11 holidays, and a minimum of 15 days of annual and sick leave per year. The state also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. Basic Purpose: This position functions as the State Benefits Manager for the Oklahoma National Guard, responsible for managing, coordinating, and directing state‑level educational and retention incentive programs. The role includes the direct supervision of 1–2 employees, with potential for expansion, and involves providing staff services in various management areas. Essential Functions Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Oklahoma National Guard’s (OKNG) participation in the Education Assistance Program and Career Tech Assistance Program, ensuring the organization upholds its legal and regulatory requirements. Develops goals, objectives, policies, and procedures that align with the organization’s mission and human resources objectives, based on interpretations of relevant state and federal laws (including Title 44 and Title 70 of Oklahoma Statutes). Manages the process for service members to transfer state education benefits to dependents (TEB), ensuring compliance with eligibility, service, and application requirements as defined in state law. Develops and institutes criteria for applicant hiring and background screening processes. Identifies, analyzes and provides recommendations to supervisor on significant issues and problems related to work accomplishment. Functions as the principal liaison with the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard (OKNG) and participating public and private educational institutions and agencies. Creates and manages program marketing campaign to inform service members and dependents about state benefit programs. Develops and sustains professional partnerships with Oklahoma Department of Higher Education and Oklahoma Department of Career Tech. Conducts briefings for OKNG leadership, state leaders, and subordinate units on program details, changes in law or policy, and other relevant issues. Provides technical and administrative guidance over Military Human Resource assistants, Military Human Resource Specialists, and any other military personnel specialists. Plans and schedules work of subordinates based on organization priorities. Responds to official inquiries (e.g., Inspector General, congressional inquiries, etc.). This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the methods of organization and management; of public administration; of agency policies and procedures; of grant or contract program requirements; of the legislative process; of basic research and statistical techniques; of federal and state laws and regulations relating to administration of assigned programs; and of supervisory principles and practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to establish and develop training programs; to exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions; and to organize and present facts and opinions. Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of professional level experience for each year of the required education. Physical Requirements Able to work at a computer for long periods of time. Able to lift/carry a minimum of 40 pounds. Conditions of Employment Contingent on a favorable NCIC/OSBI background check. Contingent on passing pre‑employment drug & alcohol screening. T1 Security Clearance (eligibility for national security positions shall be granted only to persons who are U.S. citizens). FLSA Exempt status. Must maintain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license. Serves a 12‑month probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. The position is located at the Oklahoma Military Department complex in Oklahoma City, OK. The essential functions may expand to include responsibility for oversight of the Oklahoma National Guard Supplemental Retention Pay. Employment eligibility verified through E‑Verify (Homeland Security), and a National Agency check for positions that require computer access. Travel will be required at the employee’s expense, to be reimbursed within 45 days of travel claim. Current policy allows the Travel Coordinator to cover airfare and hotel expenses up front. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Oklahoma