Colleague & Benefits Specialist

Health Benefits Management

• Responsible for overseeing all health insurance plans, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription drug coverage, for both full-time active employees and separated employees, as well as their dependents.
• This includes managing COBRA and flexible spending
• Responds to all benefits emails, correspondence, and phone calls within 48 hours of
• Additionally, maintain employee benefits eligibility and retirement files within the Cardinal
• Direct the preparation of documentation and the processing of all payroll transactions for faculty, administrative staff, classified employees, and wage employees.
• Ensure that all transactions comply with state and federal
• Coordinate the reporting of all payroll transactions to the central office of the Payroll Section and Personnel Records.
• Enter all payroll changes into the DATATEL Colleague HR system on a semi-monthly

• Provide thorough benefits counseling to new
• Follow up with them as needed to ensure they complete their enrollment paperwork in a timely manner.
• Enroll all new full-time employees in the retirement system, VRS Navigator, and regularly update their information.
• Benefits Communications:
  Conduct orientation and training sessions on
• Keep all active and retired employees informed about the policies of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute on an ongoing basis through webinars, seminars, and written materials.
• Address payroll-related questions from employees and resolve any
• Develop and distribute communications during Open Enrollment and respond to all
• Life Insurance Management:
  Manage the enrollment and updating of life insurance for full-time employees, as well as disability insurance for all employees in the Virginia Sickness & Disability program.
• Calculate optional life insurance premiums for the payroll department and continuously review and update this information.

• A solid understanding of medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, COBRA, HIPAA, and other employee benefits are essential.
• Proficiency in computer skills, especially with Microsoft Word and Excel, is required. The ability to multitask and learn new software programs is necessary.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are also

• Associate degree with two years of experience in employee benefits
• Knowledge of Colleague system and Cardinal
• Experience in Higher Education environment setting

Candidates can apply at:

VMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer; in a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal education and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals, and veterans to apply. Ameri Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs, and services.