Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

Job Type: Administrative Staff Job Number: 00457 Location: Westerville, OH Division: Business Affairs

Otterbein University is seeking an experienced and collaborative Benefits Manager to lead the administration of the university's comprehensive employee benefits programs and to ensure an exceptional experience for faculty and staff.

This position serves as a trusted resource to employees, a strategic partner to vendors and brokers, and a key collaborator within the Human Resources team. The Benefits Manager also provides support to the Director of Human Resources on projects and other initiatives. This is a full‑time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

• Manage the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, life, disability, retirement/403(b), educational benefits, and wellness programs.
• Serve as a trusted resource for faculty and staff regarding benefit programs, enrollment, and claims issues.
• Lead the Fiduciary Retirement Plan Investment Committee.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, vendors, brokers, and internal partners to ensure effective benefit delivery.
• Administer retiree benefits and communicate with retirees regarding benefits‑related matters.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable benefit‑related laws and regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, CMS Disclosure, 1095‑C/1094‑C, PCOR fees, Form 5500, Summary Annual Reports (SAR), and Notice of Creditable Coverage.
• Coordinate the annual 403(b) audit.
• Maintain plan documents and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs).
• Process and manage FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and OSHA‑related matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and benefits information.
• Monitor self‑insured medical and dental claims and provide quarterly projections for budgeting purposes.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and enrollment data.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee transitions to new vendors.
• Partner with the benefits broker to identify recommendations for annual renewals.
• Develop open enrollment strategies and oversee the annual open enrollment process.
• Develop and coordinate benefit communications in collaboration with vendors.
• Conduct new hire orientations related to benefits enrollment.
• Manage implementation of new programs, plan changes, and system changes.
• Serve as a member of the Wellness Committee.
• Coordinate wellness activities and communicate wellness initiatives through a quarterly newsletter.
• Process invoices and reimbursements related to wellness activities.
• Assist Payroll by entering benefit deductions for bi‑weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Recommend changes to personnel policies, procedures, and programs related to benefits.
• Assist the Director of Human Resources with special projects.

• May provide supervision of Human Resources Department staff and students as needed.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties described. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Health, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of direct experience in employee benefits administration and retirement administration, workplace wellness, or health program planning.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Ethics and values
• Approachable demeanor with strong interpersonal skills
• Functional and technical skills
• Action‑oriented work style
• Strong written communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage and measure work effectively

• See projects through to completion while consulting with the supervisor when beginning new or unfamiliar work.
• Problem‑solve, take initiative, and plan work to meet established timelines.
• Work collegially with all levels of the organization to provide exceptional customer service…