"HR Advisor - Benefits"

Full Job Description

HR Advisor - Benefits

Posting Number: 0001023

Reports to: Director of Human Resource

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Exempt

Full or Part-time: Full Time

Job Summary:

HR Generalist II/Benefits has responsibility for day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other ancillary benefits. Duties also include administering leaves of absence such as FMLA, workers compensation and short and long-term disability. Role is crucial in ensuring that employees receive comprehensive information and support regarding their benefits, contributing to their overall well-being and satisfaction with employee experience.

Essential Functions:

1. Administer health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. Oversee retirement plans, including 403(b), 457(f), 401(a), and pension. Serve as primary liaison with insurance brokers, carriers, and other benefits providers.
2. Administer leave programs, including FMLA, short- and long-term disability, workers compensation and other leaves of absence.
3. Provide guidance and support to employees regarding benefits options and processes. Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new hires. Assist employees with claims issues, benefits questions, and plan changes. Communicate effectively and compassionately with employees to address their needs and concerns.
4. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits. Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to benefits and leaves of absence, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA and ADA. Prepare and file required regulatory reports, such as ACA filings. Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee benefits records.
5. Develop and deliver materials to inform employees about benefits and updates and changes. Organize and conduct benefits fairs and wellness programs to promote health and wellness of employees. Maintain and update benefits page on employee portal.
6. Administer and maintain benefits administration software, Employee Navigator. Ensure accurate and timely data entry and updates in software. Provide training and support to employees on using software.
7. Proactively and independently conduct research on industry trends and best practices related to employee benefits. Analyze current benefits offerings and benchmark against research and peer institutions to ensure competitive and comprehensive benefits packages. Provide recommendations for enhancements or changes to existing benefits programs based on research findings.
8. Leads or participates in HR or college-wide projects such as software implementations/upgrades/testing, policy/procedure development, and process improvement initiatives.
9. Serves as back-up for Compensation Generalist duties.
10. Provides generalist support for other areas including Compensation, Recruitment, Employee Relations, Professional Development, etc.

Other Duties:

1. Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

Combination of Associates Degree in Business Administration or a related field and experience required. Bachelors degree in HR and HR certification (e.g, SHRM-CP, PHR) is preferred. Benefits-specific certification (e.g., Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)) is a plus. Minimum of 3-5 years experience in comprehensive, full-cycle, benefits administration required; experience with benefits administration in an educational or public sector environment is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience managing health insurance plans, retirement programs, and leave policies required. Proficiency in HRIS systems required and experience with Banner preferred (such as ADP, Workday, or similar platforms). Competent in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with benefits management software; experience with Employee Navigator is preferred. In-depth understanding of federal and state regulations governing employee benefits, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and FMLA. Experience preparing and submitting regulatory filings and reports. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem- solving abilities. Excellent communication and people skills, with ability to explain complex benefits information clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively and compassionately with employees. Ability to effectively collaborate with HR teammates, other employees, benefits vendors and other external contacts. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Customer service orientation and commitment to providing excellent service to employees. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and needs. Initiative-taking and resourceful with a focus on continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

To provide best service to our external and internal customers, all positions at Lake Michigan College require regular and predicable on-site attendance as an essential job functions. Under certain circumstances, College may consider alternative work arrangements and will do so in compliance with and according to parameters outlined in Colleges Flexible Scheduling and Remote Work Options policy.

Grade:

Salary Range: $58,489-$76,862

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Be a part of the Red Hawk family and apply today! Benefits start on first day of hire! Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break), College fully pays the in-network health insurance deductible, minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll, and much more!

https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about

Virtual Campus tour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMxd91KXcGs

SW Michigan information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlive/posts/10159842598643896

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cc2w_HihK20

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQb1c8fJ5ay/

Story on MLive: https://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/2021/06/summer-in-st-joseph-spend-a-michigans-best-day-with-beaches-great-food-wine-trails.html

Official transcripts required upon hire.

Information on our standard hiring process: Lake Michigan College will accept applications on this position for at least 14 days. Once the search committee has determined which applicants they would like to interview, those applicants will be contacted. If this process extends beyond 21 days, a communication of the delay will be made to all applicants for the position. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@lakemichigancollege.edu.

Open Date: 10/17/2025

Closing Date:

To apply, visit https://lmc.simplehire.com/postings/5499

About Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College is a community college in southwest Michigan. We have three campuses -two of which are located ten minutes from our namesakes breathtaking shoreline.

Like other community colleges, we offer associate degrees, certificates, and even a baccalaureate degree. But what sets us apart from our peers is our seemingly limitless potential and our people - people who care deeply about our regions future and who are committed to student success and exemplary educational programs, strong alignments with both established and emerging industries, and productive partnerships with the communities we serve.

Faculty and staff at LMC enjoy excellent benefits and a supportive and friendly work environment. LMC recently received a Capital Outlay grant from the State of Michigan and a new millage from the southwest Michigan community, so the colleges facilities will be getting innovative, sustainable upgrades in the next few years that will contribute to the comfort, productivity and collaborative environment for all employees.

Living in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan attracts millions of tourists who come for our beaches, wineries, and nationally acclaimed golf courses. But many who visit, choose to stay for our great schools, low cost of living, and high quality of life.

LMCs main campus is nestled in a watery and wooded wildlife sanctuary, yet its less than a half-days drive from major metro areas including Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Indianapolis.