Benefits Manager for Retirement Programs and Compliance

Benefits Manager for Retirement Programs and Compliance

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, 19085

Category: Human Resources

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260083S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 401-Human Resources

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the management and administration of the University retirement benefit programs, benefits budget and all University benefits compliance and governmental reporting. Serves as the subject matter and legal expert in all areas of responsibility.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Retirement

• Manages the University's defined contribution 403(b) retirement savings plans covering faculty and staff and 457b plan for executives. Includes billing, day-to-day educational and problem solving efforts including participant and vendor issues. Monitors eligibility and ensures that employees receive timely notification of eligibility to participate in the plan. Monitors weekly TIAA feedback file and ensures deduction changes are processed correctly in HRIS system. Monitors maximum allowable employee contributions throughout the plan year and counsels participants on IRS regulations and vendor options. Performs maximum allowable employee contribution calculations upon request from participants. Processes and reviews the annual true-up report for full time and part time employees. Calculates University contributions for part time employees who complete 1,000 hours of service during the year. Coordinates individual counseling sessions scheduled each semester with TIAA financial counselors. Coordinates educational lunch seminars with 403(b) vendors. Serves as non-voting member of the RPIC.
• Meets with faculty and staff to assist with retirement preparation including completion of Medicare Part B enrollment forms for employees enrolling in Medicare. Coordinates educational webinars with Medicare Specialists to assist faculty and staff who are Medicare eligible.
• Serves as the University contact for Via Benefits to assist with any programming needs for retiree medical including sending eligibility reports, and death/divorce updates. Monitors monthly funding requirements and runs monthly participant claims report.
• Provides support for the Defined Benefit plan participants and/or One America.

Life Insurance

• Manages the life insurance programs of the university. This includes the University provided life insurance, as well as the retiree life (only for grandfathered employees).
• Completes and submits the employer portion of a life insurance claim for active employee and grandfathered retirees. Provide beneficiaries with the required paperwork and instructions necessary for completing the life claim

Compliance

• In collaboration with third-party administrators and legal counsel, this position is responsible for all University benefit plan compliance and annual reporting. This includes maintaining and monitoring the following compliance requirements:
  • Form 5500
  • Form 1095-C
  • Form 1094-C
  • Annual Effective Notice plus Form 5500 for Health & Welfare
  • Retiree Medical annual filing
  • Credible Coverage
  • PCORI fee/form submission
  • Summary Annual Reports
  • Summary Plan Descriptions
  • Plan Documents
  • 403(B) non-discrimination testing
  • 403(b) audit management
  • Annual Fee Disclosure Notice
  • Faculty Steady State Retirement Program
  • Vendor Contracts
  • Other annual filings as needed

Budget

• In collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Benefits and Campus Partners, this position will assist with preparing the annual fringe benefits budget. Partners with the Benefits team to gather necessary data to reconcile the fringe benefit budget on a monthly basis and review the consolidated bills with our benefits enrollment administrator. In collaboration with the other Benefits team members, ensures accuracy of benefit payments, stop loss credits and benefits enrollment. Reviews and approves the monthly consolidated benefit billing for the benefits administration vendor. Prepares the monthly Stop Loss Invoice for payment.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Other

• Performs other duties and assists with projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in benefits management/administration, with a focus on retirement programs (preferably 403b plans), and compliance.
• Experience working with budgets.
• Experience with Retirement Plan Audits.
• Experience with health and welfare plans, leave management, and other benefits plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively and reduce complex legal and financial elements in a format easily understood by managers and employees. Strong project management and time management skills to ensure that internal and governmental deadlines are met.
• High energy level and good sense of teamwork within the overall Human Resources function.
• Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to multi-task.
• A collaborative and problem-solving approach is required, along with a commitment to Villanova University's Augustinian values.
• Must be able to work independently, think proactively, and assess priorities.
• Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Specific Job Knowledge:

• Strong analytical and Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Must be able to effectively analyze data and present the information to leadership and auditors.
• Knowledge working within HR systems.
• Knowledge of TIAA portal preferred.
• General Benefits knowledge including but not limited to health and welfare plans, leave management, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Education:

• CEBS, PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP

Work Skills:

• Banner experience

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

This position is primarily a sedentary position involving a lot of time utilizing a computer.

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range is $83,000-92,200. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade 16