PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB: 

Under the general direction of the Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for supporting benefits strategy and day-to-day operations through in-depth analysis, technical support, project management and relationship building.  The Assistant Director assists with planning, design, analysis, modeling, and supporting key projects, including program implementation. In addition, this position will support consistent and effective administration of benefit plans in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and introduce innovative and efficient process improvements. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Benefits Analysis & Reporting

• Recommend and assist with the design and development of benefits programs and policies. Compile and interpret data related to benefits activity. Make recommendations for plan changes and improvements based on quantitative modeling and analysis. 

• Responsible for reporting, eligibility, compliance, data and testing support.

• Research, compile, analyze and summarize data for routine and/or special projects or reports. Prepare overall program, utilization, and financial metrics to continuously evaluate efficiency of plans and their value.

• Collaborate with the Financial Analyst to conduct cost analysis and trending studies utilizing current benefit program cost data.  

• Write and edit queries to monitor and assess the quality of employee benefits and HR data; identify and solve system issues; generates and analyzes complex reports. 

• Ensure compliance with all government laws and regulations governing benefits administration, including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) and plan documents, and preliminary final discrimination testing for all required plans.   

• Identify and recommend edits to SPDs, vendor and consulting agreements periodically, specifically during periods of plan design changes or contract renewals.  

• Determine and handle the logistics to track employees impacted by various plan design changes to benefits or employee eligibility criteria. 

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

 Benefits System Administration 

• Manage the PeopleSoft benefits administration process in collaboration with the Payroll and HR Systems. Maintain valid data tables, review, and verify data prior to running benefit administration processes. Review processing results, troubleshoots and corrects errors. Adhere to appropriate policies and procedures to ensure plans are administered accurately and timely. 

• Monitor and analyze key data and procedures for proper benefits processing and system functionality (i.e., eligibility management, benefit setup) for all benefit programs. 

• Lead conversations and facilitate discussion with technical resources to translate functional benefits requirements into technology solutions.  Determine system capabilities to make processes more efficient and effective. Ensure successful delivery of work products. 

• Participate in the implementation of new and/or revised benefits programs in PeopleSoft, including collaboration with HRIS, Payroll and other stakeholders as required.  

• Oversee benefit setup testing as well as QA functions such as moving all plan benefit design implementations and/or changes into Production to ensure proper and accurate configuration. 

• Manage benefits vendor interfaces, discrepancy reports, research, setup, and maintenance. 

• Oversee the process to setup and test Open Enrollment, Flex Net as well as new/modified benefits.  

• Prepare, modify, and document testing procedures and standard operating procedures. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree and six years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in a Human Resource or finance related discipline preferred.  

• Experience reviewing and evaluating employee benefit plans. 

• CEBS certification a plus. 

• Fundamental understanding of HR and employee benefit-related laws/regulations including COBRA, FMLA, and Healthcare Reform. 

• Working knowledge of benefits compliance and reporting requirements, enrollment processes and plan administration. 

• Working knowledge of measuring program effectiveness/value and efficiency through utilization of quantitative metrics. 

• Experience administering leave and defined contribution plans. 

• Strong project management experience. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with careful attention to detail. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong reasoning, technical and analytical skills. 

• Strong interest in producing high quality work with a focus on continuous improvement through the identification of best practices. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within a dynamic environment. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft software. Advanced skills in spreadsheet preparation and manipulation.   

• Ability to communicate and interact well with people of all ages and backgrounds.