Benefits Manager

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

July 12, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1162- - Manager

Business

Title:

Benefits Manager

Employee Type: Admin. Professional

Position Details:

Human Resource Services (HRS) provides efficient, customer‑focused support to enhance the employment experience of Washington State University (WSU) faculty and staff. Through clear communication, proactive outreach, and responsive service, HRS fosters a positive, engaging, and sustainable workplace across the WSU system.

As the Benefits Manager you will be responsible for providing primary and overall management and leadership in the area of Benefits Administration. You will oversee all aspects of Benefits Administration at WSU, serve as a specialist for complex benefit issues and problems, manage and administer Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) / Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) Benefits, and manage benefits staff.

You will work closely with management to foster a collaborative and productive workplace through open communication and promoting best practices.

This position is located on the WSU Pullman campus in Pullman, Washington.

Additional Information:

This is a full‑time (
100% FTE),
permanent position. It is an overtime exempt position.

Monthly Salary: $6,684 - $11,250 – commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation; optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible human resource experience in benefit programs, including retirement plans (defined benefit and defined contribution), health insurance, medical spending accounts, life insurance or long‑term disability benefits. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience facilitating employee growth and accountability through coaching and professional development.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal and state benefits regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with vendor management.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including conflict‑resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
• Experience cultivating an environment where all individuals are treated with value and respect.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.

• Experience with enterprise HRIS platforms or benefits administration modules (e.g., Workday, People Soft, or Dayforce).
• Experience in ensuring insurance eligibility components of Family Medical Leave and other leave programs.
• Professional certification from a recognized human resource/personnel association.
• HR experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience with the state of Washington Public Employee Benefit Board benefits program.
• Experience/Understanding of the state of Washington Paid Family Medical Leave program.
• Experience in areas such as classification, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, training and development, and medical leave and accommodation.

Pullman, WA

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.