Benefits Manager II

Salary: $70,000.00 - $80,800.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189658
Agency: Department of Public Health
Division: Office of Human Resources
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AG58
Position Number:: 61005902
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN10
Hiring Range - Min.: $70,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $80,800.00
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be uploaded for review but will NOT be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position or substitute for completing any section of the application. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be completed. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

The South Carolina Department of Public Health is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager II to provide strategic leadership and oversight of employee benefits programs that support the health, financial well-being, and long-term security of our workforce. This key leadership role serves as a trusted resource to employees, agency leadership, and external partners while ensuring the effective administration of comprehensive benefits programs and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
We are seeking a knowledgeable, service-driven, and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in employee benefits administration and regulatory compliance, coupled with a commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee development. As both a strategic partner and a hands-on manager, this individual will foster innovation, build strong relationships, lead by example, and inspire a high-performing team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and support.
This in person position is based at DPH Headquarters on the State of South Carolina Health Campus, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce, SC
The purpose of this position is to administer and oversee employee benefits programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies. The position provides leadership and guidance to staff, supports employees with benefits-related services and information, and works to improve processes, enhance program effectiveness, and ensure efficient and accurate delivery of benefits programs.
Position Highlights:

Lead Benefits Administration: Provide strategic oversight of the agency's employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and flexible spending accounts. Manage annual Open Enrollment activities, coordinate employee wellness and benefits events, maintain accurate benefits records, and ensure timely processing of benefits transactions. Serve as the agency's primary liaison with South Carolina PEBA and other benefits partners.
Ensure Compliance and Financial Integrity: Monitor and ensure compliance with federal and state benefits regulations, including ACA and COBRA requirements. Oversee eligibility monitoring, required employee notifications, reporting activities, premium billing reconciliation, and benefit-related financial transactions. Partner closely with Finance and Operations to ensure accurate processing and accountability.
Support and Educate Employees: Lead employee benefits education and outreach efforts by providing expert guidance on benefits options, enrollment requirements, and life-event changes. Oversee benefits communications, new employee orientation, informational sessions, and employee consultations to help employees make informed decisions regarding their benefits.
Foster Strong Partnerships and Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with PEBA, insurance providers, employee assistance program vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure exceptional service delivery. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, recommend process improvements, and work with agency communications staff to deliver timely and accurate information to employees statewide.
Our Successful Candidate Will Be: A strategic, hands-on leader who balances compliance, customer service, and organizational priorities while continuously seeking more efficient and effective ways to improve processes and service delivery.
They embrace innovation, leverage technology, and champion modern approaches that enhance the employee experience and strengthen benefits administration.
A trusted advisor and collaborative partner who builds strong relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. They possess exceptional communication skills and can translate complex benefits regulations and programs into clear, practical guidance, helping employees make informed decisions throughout their careers.
A people-focused leader who leads by example, demonstrates accountability, has a heightened sense of accuracy and fosters a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and excellence. They understand that developing others is a critical leadership responsibility and are committed to coaching, mentoring, and empowering staff to achieve both individual and organizational success.
The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in employee benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree and relevant experience in insurance or retirement programs.
Agency Additional Requirements: Possess a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, along with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience administering health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs. Experience interpreting complex benefits regulations, resolving employee benefit issues, and have a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer or their designee.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring . Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) programs and knowledge of the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS) are highly desirable. Familiarity with public sector benefits administration and employee-focused service delivery will further contribute to success in this role.
Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.


DRIVING RECORD : If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

* Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment.

• Yes
• No

02


Please share your experience leading employee benefits programs.
03


What is your knowledge of the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS)?
04


Do you have experience working with South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) programs?

• Yes
• No

05


If "YES" to #4, please explain.
06


Can you walk us through how you have ensured administrative oversight and organizational compliance with ACA, COBRA, and other federal or state benefits regulations? Please include specific processes you implemented, challenges you addressed, and how you maintained accuracy and accountability.
07


What experience do you have providing employee benefits education, such as conducting orientation sessions, hosting informational workshops, or advising employees on life-event-related changes?
08


How have you handled performance issues or skill gaps on your team, particularly in technical areas like benefits administration or compliance?
09


What strategies do you use to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing within your team or across HR functions?
10


Please confirm that you understand that this position is located at DPH Headquarters on the State of South Carolina Health Campus, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce, SC and is not eligible for telecommuting.

• Yes
• No

11


Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience?

• No relevant experience
• 1 - 2 Years
• 3 - 5 Years
• 5+ Years
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

12


Would you be willing to accept a salary within the hiring range of $70,000 - $80,800?

• Yes
• No

13


Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)?

• Yes
• No

14


Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

15


Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

16


If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

17


How did you hear about this position?

• State NEOGOV Website (
• LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
• Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
• College Job Board
• Job Fair
• External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
• Other

Required Question