Benefits Specialist

Job Details

Benefits Specialist
Job Category: Administrative / Clerical
Requisition Number: BENEF001322
Posted: April 21, 2026
Full Time
On-site
Rate: $60,000 USD per year
Monmouth University Main Campus
West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University is seeking a forward-thinking and innovative Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role is responsible for managing employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate eligibility and enrollment process, supporting the design and administration of competitive benefit plans. The ideal candidate will bring strong systems expertise, a collaborative mindset and a passion for enhancing the employee experience.

This role serves as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, and administrators regarding benefits enrollment, plan provisions, and related HR policies surrounding benefit eligibility. This position offers a strong growth opportunity for the right candidate who is eager to learn, develop and expand their expertise in benefits and HR systems.

This is an in-person, on-campus, non-remote position.

Application Materials Required:
Monmouth University requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted via the university's career portal. In addition to the application, candidates must upload the following documents. Applications will not be considered complete for review until all required documents are uploaded.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

• Professional References

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Coordinate daily administration of employee health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short- and long-term disability programs, EAP, Telehealth and retirement programs as well as ancillary benefits and COBRA administration.
• Manage eligibility and enrollment processes, including new hires, life events, and open enrollment.
• Interpret and support benefit plan designs, policies, and communications.
• Support and administer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), including employee education and issue resolution.
• Maintain and optimize HRIS systems related to benefits administration.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits plans, coverage, and claims.
• Coordinate with benefits vendors and brokers to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct weekly new employee orientations and provides follow up to new employee inquiries; benefit presentations to special employee populations.
• Support annual open enrollment activities by preparing materials, hosting informational sessions, and assisting employees with elections.
• Collaborate with the enrollment and administration teams to document processes and maximize efficiencies where possible.
• Maintain accurate benefits data in the HRIS; process qualifying life events, new hires, terminations, and plan changes.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure timely payment and accuracy.
• Assist employees in understanding benefit options, plan provisions, and eligibility guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in benefits administration or related HR function.
• Progressive experience working with HR systems.
• HRIS experience.
• Knowledge of benefit plans, retirement programs (including 403(b).
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to health and welfare benefits, including ACA, HIPAA, ERISA and others.
• PHR, SHRM, or CEBS certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with UKG or other HRIS benefit platforms.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Barbara Santos at bsantos@monmouth.edu or 732-263-5629

Note to Applicants:
Please keep in mind that a job posted as “Open until filled” may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Working at Monmouth University perks – MU offers:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Benefits
• Tuition Remission for employee upon hire
• Tuition Remission for spouse or civil-union partner and IRS dependent after one-year of full-time continuous employment
• Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Employer-sponsored Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), FSA, Telehealth and more

To view a full list of benefits, visit our benefits page at: Employee Benefits Information | Human Resources | Monmouth University

Department: Human Resources

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday

Total Weeks Per Year 52

Hours Per Week: 36.25

Expected Salary: $60,000 - $68,000

Union: N/A

Job Posting Close Date: Open until filled