Benefits Manager

Position Summary Information

Chapman University is a nationally recognized private university in Orange, CA, known for rigorous academics, collaborative campus culture, and strong professional programs. Join a benefits team that values excellence, innovation, and service to the Chapman community.

We are seeking a talented Benefits Manager who is passionate about designing and delivering benefit programs that attract, retain, and support faculty and staff.

This is a hands-on, strategic role responsible for overseeing day-to-day benefits operations, negotiating with vendors, translating complex plan provisions into clear employee guidance, and partnering with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits to shape the university’s overall benefits strategy.

The Benefits Manager will lead administration for health, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs while ensuring accurate enrollment, payroll integration, compliance, and reporting. This role will also manage vendor relationships and performance, support audits, and develop benefits communications and open enrollment campaigns that improve employee understanding and participation. In addition, the role will analyze benefits data and market trends, identify process improvements, and support enhancements to benefits systems and HRIS integrations.

Who You Are

• Experienced benefits professional with 5+ years of hands-on benefits administration and vendor management experience; higher education experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong working knowledge of retirement plans (401(k)/403(b)), health and welfare plans, and federal compliance regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, IRS and state rules).
• Skilled communicator who can simplify complex benefits information into clear, helpful guidance.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and customer-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient with HRIS and benefits administration platforms, as well as Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Benefits certification (CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or similar) preferred.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to influence benefits strategy at a respected private university.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, tuition, and commuter 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