Benefits Manager

Position Type: Regular

Job Number: SA78924

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.

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 FMLA
• Prepare 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 Oversight

• Manage 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 & Leadership

• Partner 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

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

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