Benefits Manager, Human Resources

Benefits Manager, Human Resources

Seattle, WA

Staff - Apr 26, '19

About Seattle Pacific University:

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian University fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. Seattle Pacific University seeks applicants committed to its Christian mission. Due to our mission of cultural engagement, SPU is committed to building an excellent and diverse staff and faculty. People from historically underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

General Summary:

This position is responsible for the design and administration of competitive and cost-effective benefits policies. These programs are designed to support and enhance the experience of the university's faculty and staff. Activities include partnering with internal and external colleagues on work related to all benefits and leaves of absence, such as compliance with applicable laws and regulations, budgeting, internal reporting, developing recommendations, communication and education. This individual would also manage the Human Resources office in the Director's absence.

Job Description:

• Evaluates, plans, and administers the university's benefits programs with support and advice from benefits consultants and vendors; researches benefits changes/adjustments and review recommendations with the Director; analyzes benefits plan design; assesses effectiveness of programs in meeting overall strategic objectives; and oversees the development and implementation of changes and improvements to benefits programs.

• Manages all health and welfare benefits and retirement programs from a strategic and plan design perspective; collaborates with the HR Benefits Assistant, HR Senior Data Specialist, Payroll and other HR staff members in the day-to-day administration of the university's benefits programs, which include the retirement plans, group medical, dental, and life insurance plans, disability plans, health savings account and flexible spending accounts, long-term care plan, Emeriti retiree medical plan, wellness plans, etc.

• In concert with Director, present detailed and comprehensive benefits recommendations to university leaders in finance/business administration, faculty leaders and staff leaders.

• Oversees the outside vendors and brokers for handling employee benefits questions and enrollments. Directly assists employees with complex benefit issues/questions as needed.

• Oversees the planning for annual open enrollment for benefits. Manages yearly benefits open enrollment process. Includes implementation of benefit changes, communication to employees and coordination of benefit vendors. Oversees ongoing new hire and mid-year benefits enrollments (including ACA tracking and enrollments), and changes with HR Benefits Specialist..

• In consultation with the HR Director, manages the university's relationship with benefits consultants, vendors of benefits plans, legal and actuarial consultants, record-keepers, etc. Directs or oversees (and ensures the quality of) benefits proposals, annual renewal negotiations with insurance carriers, and administration of contracts or other agreements involving employee benefits.

• Works in partnership with the HR Benefits Assistant, Senior Data Specialist, Payroll and Finance on the preparation of monthly benefits premium payments, enrollment changes for active employees and retirees, the reconciliation of applicable general ledger accounts, etc.

• Performs monthly administration of the Emeriti Retirement Health Solutions Program and coordinates and completes annual audit, Form 990 and 5500 for the plans.

• Ensures that development and implementation of benefits programs, policies and practices are in compliance with ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ACA, ADA, Seattle Sick-Safe, WA Paid Family Leave and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Conducts periodic audits of benefits policies and procedures, plan documents, and summary plan descriptions. Updates or creates documents as needed. Maintains and implements schedule of governmental benefit filings: Maintains calendar of due dates for filing of Form 5500, Summary Annual Reports, Summary of Material Modifications, OSHA 300, etc. Coordinates completion of these reports with benefits consultant in a timely manner.

• Manages leave of absence procedure in coordination with Director and with Cigna Leave Management. Responsible for policy interpretations on leaves of absence. Counsels employees and supervisors on their leave of absence options. Communicates and interprets personnel policies with both employees and supervisors when needed In cooperation with other HR staff, oversees the liaison to payroll and accounting for LOA payroll information and benefits deductions. Teaches supervisor training class on Leave Management

• Provides direction to campus faculty and staff wellness efforts through Cigna Wellness programs. . Coordinates or delegates coordination for short lunch-time sessions held on a topic to address one or more health and wellness areas such as mental/emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, social, etc. Cultivates relationships with campus community subject area experts for their expertise.. Provides a platform for advertisement of wellness activities and resources.

• Administers the University Retirement plans, The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 401(a); the Employee Savings Plan 403(b) , and the 457(b) and 457(f) plans, including but not limited to compliance with IRS, DOL and related ERISA regulations. Serves as custodian of the plan documents, summary plan descriptions, fee disclosures and SPU website information.Completes annual reporting and testing, and the performance of the annual plan audits. Administers plan procedures in compliance with plan document provisions related but not limited to eligibility, enrollment determinations, distributions, transfers, forfeiture completion and analysis, break in service and hours of service determinations. Implements and monitors plan accounting functions to assist in ongoing analysis. Consults with ERISA attorneys as needed as approved by the HR Director.

• In cooperation with the Senior Data Specialist, manages retirement plan payment contribution files for each pay period. Works with plan vendor, payroll and the general ledger to ensure files processed in compliance with plan document and federal guidelines.

• In cooperation with the Director, plan for employee retirement education needs: Ensure that employees receive appropriate and ample opportunities to explore their retirement options by providing annual training seminars and quarterly educational opportunities, including the annual Retirement Readiness Seminar and Brighten Your Horizons workshop.

• Educates and supports Retirement Advisory and Investment Committees: In conjunction with the Director, works towards the goal of assisting each committee in their roles. Schedules, facilitate and provides ongoing records as a non-voting member of the Investment Committee. Provides on-going information/education to these individuals throughout the year.

• Assists employees and resigning employees with the options available to them and provides information for Vendor contact.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business management, human resource management or other related field, and/or commensurate experience in benefits management. Master's degree in business, human resources or related fields and/or commensurate experience in benefits management, preferred.

• Five plus ears of progressively responsible related experience working as a human resources generalist with emphasis in benefits management and administration. Five to ten years of experience as a benefits manager, higher ed experience is preferred.

• Prefer PHR or SPHRand CEBS or GBA certificates.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Banner/Elucian products a plus.

• Ability to communicate complicated subject matter clearly. Must be able to use good judgment in making decisions. Position will require effective training, evaluating and ongoing supervision of other individuals.

• Attention to detail, familiarity with computer spreadsheets and word processing software, strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information:

Position will remain open until filled.

Salary: DOE

This is a full time position with excellent benefits. SPU pays the employee premium for medical, dental, and vision insurance. SPU makes contributions to an employee HSA account and to a retirement account after one year of eligibility in the plan. Tuition discount program available for the employee and qualified immediate family members.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with the online application.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/1459800