Human Resources

Summary

As the Benefits Manager, you will lead the University's employee benefits programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and employee needs, while also focusing on change management to facilitate smooth transitions and successful implementation of new or modified benefits, tools and processes.

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management and administration of the University's employee benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, compliant, and effectively meet the needs of employees and the University. A key aspect of this role is leading and facilitating change management efforts related to benefits, ensuring smooth transitions and high employee understanding and adoption of new or modified programs.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Strategic Planning and Development:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with the company's overall business objectives and employee needs.
• Conduct regular assessments of the benefits program to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay informed of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes related to employee benefits.
• Serve as Board Member on the Michigan University Coalition on Health (MUCH) Board.
Program Administration:
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, student health insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Responsible for Michigan Tech’s retirement programs including compliance, administration, committee work and other duties involved.
• Responsible for developing and implementing employee wellness programs including leading Michigan Tech’s wellness committee.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate regularly with the University’s broker of record.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Manage the annual open enrollment process.
• Responsible for successful implementation of all leave requests.
• Reconcile and monitor the student health insurance accounts
Compliance and Legal:
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits.
• Monitor and stay current on changes to benefits-related legislation.
• Conduct regular audits of benefits programs to ensure compliance.
• Act as Michigan Tech’s HIPAA privacy officer.
Communication and Engagement:
• Develop and implement effective communication strategies to inform employees about their benefits options and changes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees with questions or concerns about their benefits.
• Provide benefits education and training to employees
• Act as the primary liaison between the university and various internal benefits and retirement committees.
Budget Management:
• Develop and manage the benefits budget.
• Analyze benefits data and trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Team Leadership:
• Supervise and mentor benefits staff members.
• Provide guidance and support to the benefits team.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
• Commit to leading departmental continuous improvement activities, as appropriate.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

● Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

Required Experience

● 3+ years of experience in benefits management, with a strong understanding of health, wellness, retirement, and other voluntary benefits.
● In-depth knowledge of benefits administration, compliance, and market trends.
● Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or other relevant certifications.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
● Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Proficiency in HRIS systems and benefits software.
● Strong organization and time management skills.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
● Employee Safety Overview
● Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
● Annual Data Security Training 
● Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1.00

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $75,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Chief Human Resources Officer

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Additional Information

This position is located in Houghton, Michigan. Relocation assistance may be available to the successful applicant.

Find about more about us at www.mtu.edu/hr