Benefits Manager

Office of Human Resources

 

The Williams College Office of Human Resources seeks an energetic, collaborative, and process oriented professional to serve as a key member of the department’s management team. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Benefits Manager serves as the resident expert of the college’s many benefits offerings. They are responsible for managing a comprehensive employee benefits program for approximately 1,200 faculty, staff, and retirees. Responsibilities include design and administration of self-funded health and dental plans, reviewing and analyzing claims data, managing broker and vendor relationships, regulatory compliance and reporting, employee counseling, and implementation of new initiatives. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with a thorough understanding of relevant laws, compliance, and reporting like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mass Paid Leave Act.

 

The Benefits Manager will work closely with the Benefits Specialist to oversee the employee wellness program and engagement strategy. This is a highly collaborative role that aims to distill complex concepts, analyze trends, and present materials in a relevant manner for planning purposes as they relate to open enrollment, the Benefits Committee, Wellness Committee, and the Retirement Governance Committee. 

 

Williams is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty and staff. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. Applicants should highlight relevant experience with supporting a diverse employee community including advocating for inclusive benefits.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited:

• Supervise the Benefits Specialist including coaching and ongoing professional development
• Review claims and other cost drivers regularly anticipating the impact on setting employee premium
• Create, review, and update plan summaries, communication materials, open enrollment materials, and benefit presentations
• Responsible for accuracy and presentation of benefits on the HR website
• Collaborate with Payroll Systems Manager, Budget Director, and HRIS Manager on quarterly analysis of budget; review details with HR Director and VP for Finance and Administration
• Responsible for leave administration and Worker’s Compensation claims programs
• Budget and oversee the administration of the tuition grant program
• Maintain up to date knowledge of federal and state regulations involving employee benefits including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and 403(b) as they apply to the college’s benefits
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of processes, documents, tools, and workflows to ensure data quality, process effectiveness, and compliance with program and regulatory requirements
• Possess in-depth knowledge of College’s policies, particularly related to the benefits
• Coordinate audits and compliance activities including non-discrimination testing, Form 5500 filing, and Summary Annual Reports, and annual FAS112 reporting the Controller’s Office
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of wellness plan related regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all related federal and state laws
• Coordinator and facilitate ongoing campus trainings and workshops on leave administration, policy and regulations, and retirement education programs
• Participate as an active member of the College’s Retirement Plan Governance Committee, coordinate quarterly agenda with committee chair; prepare meeting minutes
• Provide guidance and recommendations for problem resolution to individuals and manager

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with five years or more of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills with proven ability to demonstrate data interpretation that maps back to business terms and outcomes
• Possess the ability to generate enthusiasm among diverse constituencies and individuals
• Must have the ability to exhibit excellent customer service, integrity, and confidentiality when working with both internal and external customers
• Possess outstanding listening and influencing skills and the ability to cultivate trust and credibility among various constituencies
• Ability to develop and maintain highly effective relationships both internally and externally
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to address small and large groups
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail; keen ability to multi-task and prioritize work deliverables as needs evolve
• Knowledge of quantitative analysis techniques essential, experience in compensation analyses a plus
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft or other human resources systems is a preferred
• Human resources certifications are preferred (e.g. SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, etc.)

 

Review of applications will begin July 19, 2019, and continue until the position is filled.

 

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

 

To apply for this position, please visit http://staff-careers.williams.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-4247 or email at hr@williams.edu.

 

Williams College is a coeducational liberal arts institution located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts with easy access to the culturally rich cities of Albany, Boston, and New York City. The college is committed to building and supporting a diverse population of approximately 2000 students, and to fostering an inclusive faculty, staff, and curriculum. Williams has built its reputation on outstanding teaching and scholarship and on the academic excellence of its students.

 

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive.