Personnel Associate

About Buffalo State

Buffalo State is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the State University of New York system. As a civically minded, urban-engaged campus community located in the city's cultural corridor, Buffalo State prides itself as having smaller learning environments coupled with larger university opportunities. Boasting a diverse and inclusive campus, Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The school's mission is to deliver a broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs infused with diversity, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities for hardworking students who seek a personalized and affordable education that engages their minds and advances their careers. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment. With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies, each year over 6,000 students choose Buffalo State. Buffalo State welcomes applicants who are committed to helping us fulfill our mission.

• Faculty/Professional: Professional
• Department: Human Resource Management Office
• Local Title: Benefits Coordinator
• Budget Title: Personnel Associate
• Rank: MP-5
• Line Number: 20041
• Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000
• FTE: Full-Time
• Bargaining Unit: M/C
• PRODiG+ Position: No
• Executive Position: No
• FLSA: Exempt
• Department Website: https://hr.buffalostate.edu/

Brief Job Description

The Benefits Coordinator serves as a key member of the Human Resources team with primary responsibility for administering all employee benefits, including SUNY retirement plans, NYSHIP health insurance, and leaves of absence/policies in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, New York State Civil Service Law, New York State Retirement System rules and regulations, and SUNY Board of Trustees policies as well as state and federal employment laws. Additionally, the Benefits Coordinator manages time and attendance for faculty and professional staff, assists and supports engagement initiatives that enhance the employee experience, and supports retention by creating and maintaining a shared sense of belonging at the University. The Benefits Coordinator functions with considerable independent discretion when interpreting and applying a wide variety of benefits guidelines affecting multiple employment types. The position requires a high degree of organization and attention to detail including complex calculations for deductions and salary adjustments required in the administration of benefits.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Administer the State's health insurance program (NYSHIP) including orientation programs, enrollment meetings, webinars, responding to employee inquiries, processing new enrollments and enrollment changes, determining effective dates of coverage, and reconciling records.
2. Administer multiple retirement plans including defined benefit and defined contribution programs, and provide guidance on supplemental retirement savings plans, including enrollments, reinstatement/prior service credit, arrears calculations, and contributions.
3. Administer various leave programs (i.e., disability, parental/family leave, workers compensation, reasonable accommodation, etc.) including meeting and communicating with employees, determining eligibility, and processing appropriate documentation. Review and audit time and attendance records.
4. Administer the tuition benefit programs available to employees.
5. Develop and disseminate employee benefit information through various channels, such newsletters, websites, webinars, and orientation sessions. Manage and update benefits documents, announcements, and website. Facilitate and deliver various educational opportunities about employee benefits and encourage all employees to be prepared for their future in retirement.
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date benefit, retirement, and leave records and data in SUNY HR information system and related systems. Oversee the workflow of documents relevant to benefits and leaves administration. Maintain all files in a compliant and organized manner ensuring data integrity and security.
7. Develop collegial, positive working relationships and serve as liaison between our employees, the Department of Civil Service, retirement vendors, insurance carriers, union benefit funds, SUNY, and various other parties. Serve on appropriate committees.
8. Plan and execute events that support employee engagement and wellness, such as orientation and onboarding, wellness fairs, webinars, and pre-retirement seminars.

Required Qualifications

1. Demonstrated benefits administration experience.
2. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including excellent spreadsheet and data organizational skills.
3. Working knowledge of state and federal employment and labor relations regulations and laws (e.g. HIPAA, FMLA, ADA).
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively and efficiently within strict deadlines.
5. Demonstrated ability to monitor, analyze and use relevant data.
6. Ability to prioritize and self-manage in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
7. Excellent independent judgment and sensitivity to personal and confidential information.
8. Ability to develop collegial working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
9. Good listener, clear communicator and organized planner.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Human Resources experience in the public sector and/or higher education.
2. Experience in administering health insurance, retirement and leave benefits.
3. Professional certifications (PHR, CEBS).

Anticipated Date of Hire: 01/04/2027

Priority Review Date: 10/25/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state, and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status (Nondiscrimination Notice). Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, Cleveland Hall 204, (716) 878-6210. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Warnes at warnesje@buffalostate.edu or call (716) 878-3042.

Background Investigation Statement

All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Our Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at http://hr.buffalostate.edu/pre-employment-background-screening.

Clery Statement

Applicants interested in positions may access the Annual Security Report (ASR) for SUNY Buffalo State at http://police.buffalostate.edu. The ASR contains information on campus security policies and certain campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Applicants may request a hard copy of the ASR by contacting the SUNY Buffalo State University Police Department at (716) 878-6333.