Assistant Benefits Manager - Hybrid

Are you ready to step into a dynamic role that puts you at the heart of our university’s benefits and wellness initiatives? Kent State University is seeking an Assistant Benefits Manager who will serve as the right hand to our Executive Director of Benefits and Wellness. This is a unique opportunity to be number two in the department, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our benefits and wellness programs.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

To assist in the management of personnel, projects and daily activities in the university benefits department, to include oversight of the university’s leave programs including Family and Medical Leave, workers compensation and tuition reimbursement programs. Serve as the project leader to plan, organize, coordinate and implement the university activities associated with eligibility and enrollment in the university-sponsored health plans, supplemental insurance, and retirement offering; review and initiate workers’ compensation claims following reports of injury; administer the tuition waiver benefit. Work closely with Information Technology to ensure data integrity, including maximizing usage of report writing tools to generate reports needed for benefit’s programs and internal data audits. Assume responsibility for onboarding and training of benefits staff members and development of standard operating procedures for the department.

Examples of Duties:

In this role, you will:

• Assist the Executive Director in managing the team, leading projects, and the daily activities of the benefits and wellness functions.
• Serve as the project leader to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement university activities associated with eligibility and enrollment in university-sponsored health plans, supplemental insurance, and retirement offerings.
• Work in the HR system and with IT to ensure data integrity, including maximizing usage of report writing tools to generate reports needed for benefits and internal data audits.
• Assume responsibility for onboarding and training of benefits staff members and development of standard operating procedures for the department.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field.
• Four years of demonstrated professional experience in the area of benefits or insurance administration.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of relevant human resources/benefits laws and regulations (e.g., COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, health care reform, etc.)
• Skills in strategic planning, customer service orientation, benefits administration, attention to detail, analyzing and applying policies and procedures to specific situations, public speaking, verbal and written communication, utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable software, Cognos/I.T. reporting tools, and adhering to deadlines.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction, work in a high volume and fast-paced environment, be results and people-oriented, work independently and as part of a team in a self-directed manner, multi-task while prioritizing and managing multiple projects/priorities and assignments, adjust to unforeseen demands and priorities, perform operational, transaction and technical tasks within the HRIS system to design and administer employee benefits.

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, and abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Working Schedule:

Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with flexible scheduling and one day per week remote work options possible. May require earlier or later work hours to host benefit and wellness events or employee activities.

Additional Information: