Benefits Manager Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

Under the general direction of the VP of Human Resources, the Benefits Manager oversees health and welfare benefits, retirement & 403(b) plans, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and benefits communications to ensure employees receive competitive and equitable benefits that support retention and organizational sustainability.

The Benefits Manager also serves as the HR Payroll liaison with the Finance Payroll function and supports HR operations and employee engagement initiatives.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Vice President of Human Resources

Supervises (Position Title): None

Principal Duties/Responsibilities:

• Benefits & Payroll Administration
• Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, life, vision, disability, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), and leaves of absence, in accordance with Agency policy.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and benefit account reconciliations.
• Serve as HR payroll administrator providing pay information to the Finance Payroll Manager, via the HR Payroll Summary that includes new hires, terminations, FMLA information, salary changes, and adjustments.
• In coordination with the Finance Payroll Manager and the HR Generalist, perform payroll audit for each pay period, ensuring appropriate benefit deductions and payroll summary changes using the UKG information system.
• Administer the 403(b) plan and closed Retirement plan (i.e., assist closed pension plan vendor and 403(b) plan Administrator with requests for benefit distributions, update annually the employee census information profile, and submit to the broker, and maintain employee/retiree pension files and documents).
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Keep confidentiality of all information and adhere to the Agency’s Code of Ethics.

• Complete special assignments or projects as required or directed.

• Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure programs meet employee needs, are cost-effective, and comply with applicable laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and State leave laws.
• Coordinate required reporting, audits, and filings. Maintain plan documents, summaries, and compliance notices.
• Prepare and communicate information to employees and former employees about Agency benefits, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures.

• Maintain and apply knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting benefits, personnel records, and ensure that related policies, procedures, and reporting comply.

• Vendor & Broker Management

• Serve as primary contact for brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Assist in benefits renewals, vendor negotiations, and plan evaluations.
• Monitor vendor performance and service delivery.
• Participate in market benchmarking and cost analysis activities.
• Coordinate and/or conduct benefits annual open enrollment, process enrollment changes to the carrier, provide employee education, and manage benefits communication. Onboard benefits for new hires and provide ongoing employee support.

• Maintain carrier contact to investigate/resolve discrepancies expeditiously.

• Employee Support

• Develop benefits communications and counsel employees on benefits-related issues. Resolve employee questions and problems by interpreting benefit policies and procedures.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding eligibility, claims, coverage, retirement plans, and leave programs.
• Resolve escalated benefits issues with carriers and vendors.
• Promote employee wellness and work-life balance initiatives.

• Develop benefits communication materials and presentations.

• Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain benefits records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
• Generate reports related to enrollment, utilization, and benefits costs.
• Support budgeting and forecasting for employee benefits expenses.
• Ensure benefits account reconciliations and accurate enrollment, changes, terminations, and qualifying events in UKG, carrier systems, and for COBRA processing.
• Manage the benefits module in the UKG human resource information system (HRIS), maintain interfaces with appropriate vendors, and support the leave management process.

Non-essential duties

SPECIFICATIONS:

This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the area of Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related area.

A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive benefits administration and human resources experience is required.

Must be proficient with various software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and proficient in the use of HRIS software. Knowledge of UKG or other time/attendance systems is preferred.

5 years of experience and knowledge of laws and regulations affecting benefits, i.e., ERISA, COBRA, FICA, Section 125, FMLA, FLSA, HIPAA, is required.

SHRM or HRCI certification and experience with nonprofit, healthcare, social services, or community organizations preferred.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Ability to manage own workflow and to resolve problems/questions with supervisor.
• Ability to work overtime as required, or early hours when appropriate.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with managers, employees, vendors, and department heads.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively deliver information tactfully without causing rancor and conflict, are essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information.
• The ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and present and exchange data clearly to solve problems and demonstrate accuracy when working with details.

FT Role

Compensation

• Salary Range: $75,000 - $87,000 Annually

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term & short-term disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Family medical leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Benefit options and eligibility vary by Fulltime and Part-time positions. Compensation within the posted salary range varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and performance at the time of the offer.

Mental/Physical Demands:

Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages accurately. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are performed in a typical office environment. No unusual or adverse working conditions exist.

This description documents the general contents and requirements of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhausted statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The principal duties and responsibilities shown are all essential job functions except for those indicated with an asterisk (*). The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.