Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Posting Details

 Position Information 

Position Title  | Benefits Manager
Position Type  | Regular
Job Number  | SA78924
Full or Part Time  | full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification  | Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range  | $120,000 - $130,000
Pay Range Information  | Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

 Position Summary Information 

Job Description Summary  | The Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of benefits data, oversees vendor billing reconciliation, and maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Compensation & Benefits, who provides strategic direction and oversight for the function.  Partnering closely with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Compensation & Benefits, this role supports execution of the benefits strategy while proactively identifying risks, trends, and operational gaps. The Benefits Manager plays a critical role in building scalable processes, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring a high-quality employee experience across a multi-state workforce.
Responsibilities  | Program Administration & Operations Oversee the end-to-end administration of employee benefit programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary plans Ensure accurate and timely processing of enrollments, life events, and terminations Manage the annual open enrollment process, including system configuration, communications, and employee support Maintain and optimize benefits administration within the HRIS and related systems   Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLAPrepare and manage required filings and reporting (e.g., Form 5500, ACA reporting) Facilitate Non-Discrimination Testing for FSA Maintain plan documents, policies, and audit-ready documentation In partnership with the AVP, Compensation & Benefits provide oversight of the 401(k) plan, including governance, committee support, and annual filings Audit, Reconciliation & Financial OversightManage regular audits of benefits data, payroll deductions, and eligibility to ensure accuracy and compliance Reconcile vendor invoices against payroll and enrollment data; investigate and resolve discrepancies Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions and timely vendor payments Track and analyze benefits-related financial activity, trends, and variances
Data Integrity & Reporting Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of employee benefits records across systems Leverage data to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
Vendor Management
Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators Oversee vendor performance, contract compliance, and service delivery Lead issue resolution and escalation of complex employee or system-related matters
Process Development & Continuous Improvement Build, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) Support system enhancements, integrations, and benefits-related projects Establish and continuously improve benefits processes, metrics, and internal controls.
Strategy Support & LeadershipPartner with the AVP of Compensation & Benefits to support strategic initiatives and program enhancements Monitor market trends and benchmark data to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility Proactively identify and escalate risks, trends, and operational concerns Support communication strategies and employee education to improve understanding and utilization of benefits

Required Qualifications 
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience) 7–10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, including compliance, audit, and reconciliation Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA) Advanced experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, UKG) Experience with retirement plan administration

Competencies
Deep understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, Department of Labor (DOL), and applicable tax laws Advanced knowledge of benefits administration and evolving market trends Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously  Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly translate complex concepts Ability to identify risk and appropriately escalate issues Highly organized, process-driven, and self-directed Demonstrates a high level of accountability, discretion, and professionalism Collaborative team player who fosters a positive, team-oriented environment Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and strong decision-making abilities, with the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information Process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous enhancement Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across teams

Desired Qualifications   
Special Instructions to Applicants  | Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References  | 2
Maximum Number of References  | 3

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6815

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

Contact Us
Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
TalentServices@chapman.edu