Benefits and Compensation Specialist

VP Area: Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Benefit Eligibility:Yes

Serves as the primary benefits touchpoint for approximately 500 university employees, managing all employee benefit programs including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and leave‑related benefits. Provides analytical support for compensation activities including salary surveys and position classifications. This role operates with significant independence while partnering with CHRO on strategic benefits and compensation initiatives.

• Minimum 4 years of progressive human resources experience with demonstrated strength in benefits administration, compensation, wellness programs, or a combination thereof. Experience must demonstrate:
  • Solid understanding of employee benefits programs and administration (may have been in support role but shows progression)
  • Working knowledge of benefits compliance requirements (ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125)
  • Experience with HRIS/ERP systems and proficient in Excel
  • Customer service orientation and ability to explain benefits to employees
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Experience may include:
  • Benefits Administrator, HR Generalist with benefits focus, Compensation Analyst, Wellness Coordinator, or similar roles
  • Roles demonstrating increasing responsibility in HR functions
  • Mix of benefits, compensation, and/or wellness experience that totals 4+ years

• Higher education environment experience
• Church plan benefits administration experience
• TIAA or defined contribution retirement plan experience
• Wellness program management or health promotion experience
• Experience supporting compensation administration activities

• Benefits coordination, support and administration (65%)
  • Administers comprehensive employee benefits programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, tax‑advantaged accounts, retirement, and tuition remission in collaboration with plan carriers, vendors, administrators, and the university’s employee benefits consultant/broker.
  • Manages day‑to‑day carrier, vendor, administrator, and broker relationships; documents performance issues and collaborates with CHRO on resolution strategies
  • Participates in vendor selection and renewal processes with CHRO, CFO, and benefits committee
  • Processes employee benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in Banner HRIS in coordination with Senior Payroll Coordinator
  • Leads annual open enrollment process including communication strategy, employee education, system configuration, and enrollment reconciliation
  • Administers continuation insurance coverage for terminated employees and eligible retirees
  • Coordinates disability insurance claims and serves as liaison between employees and insurance carrier; coordinates life insurance claims for employees and retirees serving as a liaison between the employee’s beneficiaries and carrier.
  • Manages leave‑related benefits including benefits continuation during FMLA and disability leave
  • Ensures compliance with ACA, HIPAA, Section 125, and church plan requirements
  • Provides individual benefits counseling to new employees, faculty candidates, and current staff as needed
  • Develops benefits communication materials and presents benefits information at new employee orientation
  • Collaborates with CHRO and CFO on benefits budget development and monitors monthly expenditures
  • Works closely with the Senior Payroll and Systems coordinator to reconcile benefit invoices with enrollment and payroll deductions
• Wellness Programming (20%)
  • Serves as primary staff lead for university wellness program and wellness committee
  • Plans, implements, and evaluates comprehensive wellness initiatives focused on employee health and well‑being
  • Coordinates wellness events, health screenings, fitness challenges, and educational programs throughout the year
  • Manages wellness vendor relationships and program budget
  • Collaborates with wellness committee to develop annual wellness calendar and strategic priorities
  • Tracks wellness program participation and outcomes; analyzes data to measure…