The University of Chicago offers a wide variety of benefits programs and resources to its employees. From our health plan options and wellness programs, to our continuing education opportunities and competitive retirement plans, the University is committed to providing benefits that matter to you at each stage of your employment. Reporting to the Manager of Health and Welfare, under general supervision, the Benefits Supervisor administers the University's Health and Welfare, and Retirement benefits.
Job Summary
The Benefits Supervisor monitors a team of support staff responsible for administering and supporting beneficiaries of University benefits programs such as pension plans and life, health, and disability insurance. Responsible for special projects and resolution of unique and complex problems.
The Benefits Supervisor counsels staff, faculty, retirees, and their families in their initial plan enrollments, making changes to their benefits during the year (family status changes), during open enrollment, and at retirement/termination of their employment at the University.
This role serves as the first point of contact for inquiries from the Benefits Specialists. They will build trusting relationships, encourage, and supervise the team.This position requires the highest level of confidentiality, judgment, discretion, and diplomacy while working with various individuals at all levels of the organization.
Responsibilities
Manages the review and approval processes for the enrollment/disenrollment of medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life, disability and retirement benefits for active staff, faculty, and retirees via Workday, while ensuring they meet specific policies and guidelines.
Oversees the resolution of day-to-day escalated benefits issues.
Provides guidance to staff to reconcile vendor invoices.
Monitors Workday and the Benefits Tracker in-box daily.
In partnership with the Manager of Health and Welfare, implements processes and procedures that ensure the University's benefits programs are administered in compliance with law and with plan documents.
Manages benefits staff to ensure service and delivery expectations of leadership and employees are both met.
Researches and conducts in-depth auditing, analysis, forecasting of employee benefit programs including developing a comprehensive cost analyses and modeling of all benefit plans.
Directs project level work to the Benefits Specialists.
Manages the benefits team in the preparation on all benefit related communications for plan participants, current and former, regarding benefit programs, procedures, changes, and government mandated disclosures.
Develops, communicates, and trains the overall HR team on all new benefit programs including providing benefits updates to be communicated to the HR Community via the Staff, Community meetings, and weekly HR Headlines communication.
Collaborates with unit leadership coordinating employee benefits for new hires and current employees.
Reviews current processes and recommends improvements.
Develops, manages, and maintains the Benefit Specialist schedule.
Provides on-the-job training for new hires.
Maintains and updates the benefits website.
Leads special projects as assigned.
Supervises day-to-day activities of direct reports. Directs and monitors project level work.
In conjunction with leadership, implements processes and procedures that ensure the University's benefits programs are administered in compliance with law and with plan documents.
Resolves escalated participant issues and helps set processes and procedures for direct reports.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.
Experience:
A minimum of five years of health and retirement benefits programs and project management experience.
Background working on complex issues where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
Background working in a team environment, collaborating on projects, as well as daily issues.
Previous experience in higher education.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
High level of computer application skills including MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Competencies
Self-starter, able to successfully manage multiple priorities in a complex, multi-constituent environment.
Research, analyze and present data and recommendations in an organized and logical manner.
Demonstrated project management skills and consult with all levels of management.
Well-developed problem analysis and resolution skills; exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
Familiarity with plan documents and compliance issues, to include testing.
High level of planning and analytical skills.
High level of professionalism, personal integrity, and dependability.
Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
Resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating and averting problems.
Working Conditions
Remote, one day in office monthly.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Professional References Contact Information (2)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
University Human Resources
Role Impact
People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$92,875.00 - $100,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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