Benefits Manager

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title
Benefits Manager

Position Type
Regular

Job Number
SA78924

Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range
$120,000 - $130,000

Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of benefits data, oversees vendor billing reconciliation, and maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Compensation & Benefits, who provides strategic direction and oversight for the function. Partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President ( AVP ) of Compensation & Benefits, this role supports execution of the benefits strategy while proactively identifying risks, trends, and operational gaps. The Benefits Manager plays a critical role in building scalable processes, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring a high-quality employee experience across a multi-state workforce.

Responsibilities

Program Administration & Operations

• Oversee the end-to-end administration of employee benefit programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary plans
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments, life events, and terminations
• Manage the annual open enrollment process, including system configuration, communications, and employee support
• Maintain and optimize benefits administration within the HRIS and related systems

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA
• Prepare and manage required filings and reporting (e.g., Form 5500, ACA reporting)
• Facilitate Non-Discrimination Testing for FSA
• Maintain plan documents, policies, and audit-ready documentation
• In partnership with the AVP, Compensation & Benefits provide oversight of the 401(k) plan, including governance, committee support, and annual filings

Audit, Reconciliation & Financial Oversight

• Manage regular audits of benefits data, payroll deductions, and eligibility to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Reconcile vendor invoices against payroll and enrollment data; investigate and resolve discrepancies
• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions and timely vendor payments
• Track and analyze benefits-related financial activity, trends, and variances

Data Integrity & Reporting

• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of employee benefits records across systems
• Leverage data to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement

Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators
• Oversee vendor performance, contract compliance, and service delivery
• Lead issue resolution and escalation of complex employee or system-related matters

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Build, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Support system enhancements, integrations, and benefits-related projects
• Establish and continuously improve benefits processes, metrics, and internal controls.

Strategy Support & Leadership

• Partner with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits to support strategic initiatives and program enhancements
• Monitor market trends and benchmark data to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility
• Proactively identify and escalate risks, trends, and operational concerns
• Support communication strategies and employee education to improve understanding and utilization of benefits

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, including compliance, audit, and reconciliation
• Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations ( ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA )
• Advanced experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, UKG )
• Experience with retirement plan administration

Competencies

• Deep understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, Department of Labor ( DOL ), and applicable tax laws
• Advanced knowledge of benefits administration and evolving market trends
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly translate complex concepts
• Ability to identify risk and appropriately escalate issues
• Highly organized, process-driven, and self-directed
• Demonstrates a high level of accountability, discretion, and professionalism
• Collaborative team player who fosters a positive, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and strong decision-making abilities, with the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information
• Process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous enhancement
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across teams