The Benefits Administrator (hybrid) is responsible for the administration and oversight of end-to-end employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability plans, workers' compensation, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, leave programs, and other benefit offerings. This position is a hybrid position located in St. Paul, MN. This role serves as a trusted resource and advisor to employees and leadership by providing exceptional customer service, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining accurate benefits administration, and supporting the development and enhancement of competitive benefits programs. The Benefits Administrator partners with vendors, third-party administrators, and Human Capital (HC) leadership to ensure effective plan management and exceptional employee experience.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Administer day-to-day operations of all employee benefit programs.
● Coordinate enrollments, life event changes, terminations, COBRA administration, beneficiary updates, disability claims, retirement transactions, loans, hardships, distributions, and compliance testing.
● Serve as the primary liaison with benefit carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, and vendors.
● Coordinate the transfer of eligibility and payroll data required for benefit administration and premium processing.
● Maintain accurate employee benefit records, databases, and HRIS information.
● Oversee monthly benefit billing reconciliation and ensure timely payment of invoices and administrative fees.
● Conduct benefit plan audits and ensure accuracy of benefit-related data and transactions.
● Develop and maintain procedures and documentation related to benefit administration processes.
● Other tasks and duties as assigned.
Leave Administration
● Administer FMLA, state leave programs, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, short-term disability, long-term disability, and other leave programs.
● Track leave eligibility, approvals, documentation, and return-to-work processes.
● Coordinate with employees, supervisors, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators regarding leave management.
● Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company leave requirements.
Compliance & Reporting
● Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, Medicare, Social Security, Department of Labor requirements, workers' compensation regulations, and applicable state laws.
● Prepare and submit required reports, notices, filings, and fee payments accurately and on time.
● Monitor regulatory changes and recommend policy or process updates as needed.
● Support internal and external audits and maintain documentation for compliance reviews.
Employee Support & Communication
● Provide exceptional customer service and timely resolution of employee benefit inquiries.
● Develop and distribute employee communications related to benefit programs.
● Coordinate benefits orientation for new hires and annual open enrollment activities.
● Design and maintain employee educational materials, summary plan descriptions, and enrollment resources.
● Provide training and support to HC staff and organizational leaders regarding benefits programs and procedures.
● Support and collaborate with HC leadership to design, recommend, and implement new benefits programs. Examine plan designs and benefit cost changes.
Benefits Planning & Vendor Management
● Analyze benefit utilization, plan performance, costs, employee feedback, and market trends.
● Support HC leadership in researching and evaluating new benefit programs, carriers, and vendors.
● Assist HC Leadership with benefit plan design, vendor selection, contract review, and renewal negotiations.
● Provide recommendations to improve employee experience, plan effectiveness, and cost management.
● Participate in Request for Proposal (RFP) processes and vendor evaluations.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
● Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Preferred Certifications
● SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
● Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
Experience
● Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration.
● Experience administering multiple benefit plans and leave programs.
● Experience with HRIS systems, payroll systems, and benefits administration platforms preferred.