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The Office of Human Resources (OHR) at Carnegie Mellon University is committed to supporting faculty and staff members' success through every stage of their employment at the university. We support the Carnegie Mellon 2025 Strategic Plan through driving efficient, effective, and nimble business practices to support the needs of an evolving university community. We recruit and retain outstanding people at all levels while encouraging a culture of diversity and inclusion, and support for professional and personal development.

The Benefits Administrator is primarily responsible for the administration of University faculty and staff benefit programs, including Unemployment Compensation, Child Care Sliding Scale, International Travel, Tuition, COBRA Administration and the processing of invoices for all benefit programs. The Benefits Administrator is the benefit subject matter expert for assigned benefit processes, and is required to maintain excellent knowledge of benefit programs. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA and federal and state regulations, and understanding how legislative changes impact University benefit programs. In addition, the position is responsible for the creation and generation of benefit plan reports from financial and HRIS systems. The position coordinates programs with outside service providers, and assists in preparation and distribution of various employee benefit communications, including employee presentations as the need arises.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Working effectively to ensure benefit programs are administered accurately, timely and efficiently. Provides a high level of dedicated customer service support to internal and external customers. Serves as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes.
• Ensuring compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA and federal and state regulations, including compliance responsibilities for process documentation and controls.
• Auditing the accuracy and performance of functions performed by other team members.
• Reviewing claims, maintains UC database to track charges, and reconciles monthly UC invoice. Works with Office of General Counsel, HR Managers, and departments on sensitive and confidential termination agreements which may affect UC.
• Determining eligibility, reviews/approves employee applications, and administers the program in accordance with the policy and IRS regulations.
• Determining eligibility, tracks utilization, and provides travel documentation to employees.
• Assisting with the execution of annual Open Enrollment from inception to end including system testing, preparation of communication materials, employee counseling, and year end enrollment activities. Assists with the planning and coordination of Benefits and Fitness Fair held in conjunction with Open Enrollment.
• Overseeing the COBRA reporting and enrollment processes, annual COBRA Open Enrollment and ongoing administration of COBRA processes and procedures.
• Responsible for the day to day administration of the Tuition Benefit program including the determination of eligibility, processing of claims and addressing of employee questions and concerns.
• Participating in ongoing benefits and human resources systems testing.
• Working on special projects as needed. Assists with process and system audits. Prepares, submits, and analyzes data from various industry and national benefit surveys.
• Understanding role of other team members and cross-trains duties and responsibilities as necessary.
• Attending required meetings and participates in various seminars and training classes to maintain and update skills and knowledge as needed. Keeps current on related legal and regulatory issues affecting benefits.
• Other Duties as Assigned

You must demonstrate:

• Ability to pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work with sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• A strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, communications, psychology, or related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
• 1-3 years of benefit administration experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a complex, matrixed organization with varied business units and decentralized processes
• Certifications a plus - CEBS - Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, ISCEBS - International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, CBP - Certified Benefits Professional

Other Requirements:

• Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity? Apply today!

CMU's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus .

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