Human Resources Benefits Specialist (790)

Job Description

Job Summary

The HR Benefits Specialist reports to the Benefits Manager in the Office of Human Resources. The HR Benefits Specialist maintains responsibility for human resource functions related to benefits, retirement, leave, and offboarding while cross-training to assist and provide coverage in additional focused areas. An HR Benefits Specialist provides service to employees through answering inquiries, assisting with processes, communicating changes in policies/procedures, etc. The ideal candidate will bring knowledge or hands-on experience with federal and state leave programs, employee benefits, retirement systems, and the development and application of policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Knowledge of higher education.
• Knowledge of the State of Tennessee’s benefits and programs.
• Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and theories of Human Resource Administration.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, TBR and state regulations and changes, and university policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and other customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field OR Associate’s Degree/ Two years of College + Two (2) years of related work experience ­OR four (4) years of related work experience (plus any additional required experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field of study
  Experience/knowledge of TBR/state benefits programs

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family -Human Resources Professional 1
• Market Range – 6 Salary Schedules
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students and highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer Statement:

• Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Job Info

• Job Identification 790
• Job Category Human Resources
• Posting Date 03/18/2026, 10:43 AM
• Degree Level Bachelor’s Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1276 Gilbreath Dr, Johnson City, TN, 37614, US