Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

Job Title  | Benefits Manager
Union Level  |
Department  | Human Resources
Campus  | Stockton
Posting Number  | 201304139P
Full or Part Time  | Full Time
Number of Months  | 12
Work Schedule  | Duties performed during standard business hours, additional time may be required to meet business needs or deadlines. Travel to distance campuses and required meetings and/or trainings.
Position End Date  |
Open Date  | 08/18/2025
Close Date  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants  | For Applicants Seeking Job Opportunities within the University
Internal: Internal applicants will be considered within the first five (5) business days of the posting period.
External: External applicants will be considered on the sixth (6) business day of the posting period.
Sponsorship  | This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship now or in the future.

 
Position Summary Information 

Primary Purpose  | The Benefits Manager leads the administration, compliance, and ongoing enhancement of the University’s benefits programs across all campuses. This role oversees day-to-day operations while also playing a key role in strategic planning, vendor management, and program development. Serving as a trusted resource for employees, HR partners, and University leadership, the Benefits Manager ensures legal compliance and supports a positive, inclusive employee experience. This position offers a growth-focused opportunity for a seasoned professional ready to take the next step into broader leadership.

Essential Functions  | Strategic Planning & Program Oversight: Collaborate in the development and implementation of benefits strategies that align with organizational goals and promote employee well-being. Oversee the day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, leave of absence, and wellness programs to ensure compliance and accuracy. Provide input on plan design, cost analysis, and competitive benchmarking to support recruitment and retention.  Employee Support and Communication: Oversee employee support activities, serving as an escalation point for complex benefits questions and claims. Develop clear, accessible communications to help employees understand their benefits and make informed choices. Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, communications, education events, and campus benefits fair on all campuses. Vendor and Partner Management: Manage relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and consultants to ensure high-quality service delivery. Monitor vendor performance and coordinate HRIS data transmission with external partners. Participate in contract reviews and performance discussions to strengthen vendor partnerships. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and FMLA. Maintain documentation, oversee retirement plan audits, and manage 5500 filings. Stay current with regulatory changes and recommend adjustments to programs and practices. Financial Analysis and Reporting: Use HRIS and analytics tools to monitor enrollment, costs, and trends. Provide reports and insights to support budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making. Identify opportunities for cost efficiency while maintaining employee value. Team Collaboration and Leadership: Mentor HR colleagues on benefits processes and provide guidance on complex cases. Partner with HR leadership to promote consistent, employee-centered service across campuses. Participate in cross-functional projects that advance HR and University priorities. Perform related responsibilities as assigned to support the success of the HR team and University community.
University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritizes policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty and staff.

This position serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA) as outlined by the Clery Act. CSAs have federally mandated responsibilities to report crimes that are reported them.

Minimum Qualifications  | Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Five (5) years of progressive experience in Human Resources and/or benefits management. Three (3) years of experience as a supervisor. Experience with HRIS and benefits platforms.

Preferred Qualifications  | Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Professional certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, or equivalent). Experience with vendor management and contract discussions. Seven (7) years of progressive experience in benefits management. Deep knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements. Strong analytical, negotiation, and vendor management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated knowledge and ability of strategic planning, program evaluation, design, and implementation. Proficient in performing cost benefit analysis, reconciling and administration. Strong working knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, retirement plans and the ability to read and interpret plan documents. Ability to conduct research, summarize findings and develop recommendations. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and extensive knowledge of excel working with complex spreadsheets and data bases. Experience working with Human Resources systems, Banner strongly desired. Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion. Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements  | The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties require extended periods of sitting, keying on a computer with repetitive hand/wrist motion. Occasional to frequent standing, walking. Infrequent climbing of stairs. Ability to lift up to twenty five (25) pounds.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with the use of computer, phone and office equipment. Duties performed during standard business hours, additional time may be required to meet business needs or deadlines. Travel to distance campuses and required meetings and/or trainings.

Valid driver’s license required. Incumbent must also be able to meet the University’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for University business. The University and its insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.
Hiring Range  | $73,710 - $85,000 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement  | All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.

Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement  | University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents