Benefits & Employee Relations Specialist

Benefits & Employee Relations Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The Benefits & Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key member of the HR team, providing comprehensive support across benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance. This role is responsible for administering core HR programs, supporting supervisors with general employee relations matters, and ensuring regulatory compliance with federal and state employment requirements. This position works collaboratively with Payroll, external vendors, and campus partners to deliver efficient, employee-centered HR services.

Employment Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), Benefits-Eligible

Salary Range: $54,000-62,000 annually

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary plans
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution
• Coordinate and manage the annual open enrollment process, including communications, system updates, and employee education
• Oversee retirement plan administration, including enrollments and contributions
• Partner with external brokers and vendors to ensure effective plan delivery and compliance

Leave Administration & Compliance

• Support and communicate employee leaves of absence including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, and MN Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
• Serve as the primary liaison with third-party leave administrators to coordinate claims and ensure timely processing
• Guide employees and supervisors through leave processes, eligibility, and documentation requirements
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state leave laws and regulations

Employee Relations Support

• Provide frontline employee relations support to supervisors on low to moderate complexity issues (e.g., performance concerns, policy interpretation, workplace conflicts)
• Address and resolve low-to-medium complexity employee relations matters, escalating high-risk issues to the HR Director as needed.
• Act as a neutral resource for employees seeking guidance on workplace concerns or conflict resolution.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and compliant personnel files, ensuring proper documentation and record retention
• Oversee leave tracking systems in partnership with Payroll to ensure data integrity and accurate reporting
• Manage unemployment claims, including response preparation and participation in hearings as needed
• Support compliance-related reporting, including annual Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Payroll, Finance, and other campus departments to ensure alignment of HR processes
• Identify opportunities to improve HR workflows, systems, and employee experience
• Assist with HR projects and initiatives that support institutional priorities

Prerequisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, human resources, or related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to create and present ideas and budgets in a variety of formats
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to leverage technology for efficiency
• Ability to be organized and produce accurate results while meeting established deadlines
• A flexible nature and an eagerness to impact change through the College's strategic plan initiatives

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex environment
• SHRM or PHR Certified Professional
• Working knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, and ACA
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion
• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills

Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse
• 13 paid Holidays + generous PTO plan

Application Procedure: Please continue the process below or on our website, www.gustavus.edu/humanresources/employment to complete the online application and submit your resume and cover letter.

Contact: Nicole Goebel | ngoebel@gustavus.edu | 507-933-6310