Benefits Specialist

NEW JERSEY
Monmouth University Main Campus
400 Cedar Ave
West Long Branch, NJ 07764, USA

Monmouth University is seeking a forward-thinking and innovative Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role is responsible for managing employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate eligibility and enrollment process, supporting the design and administration of competitive benefit plans. The ideal candidate will bring strong systems expertise, a collaborative mindset and a passion for enhancing the employee experience.

This role serves as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, and administrators regarding benefits enrollment, plan provisions, and related HR policies surrounding benefit eligibility. This position offers a strong growth opportunity for the right candidate who is eager to learn, develop and expand their expertise in benefits and HR systems.

This is an in-person, on-campus, non-remote position.

• Coordinate daily administration of employee health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short- and long-term disability programs, EAP, Telehealth and retirement programs as well as ancillary benefits and COBRA administration.
• Manage eligibility and enrollment processes, including new hires, life events, and open enrollment.
• Interpret and support benefit plan designs, policies, and communications.
• Support and administer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), including employee education and issue resolution.
• Maintain and optimize HRIS systems related to benefits administration.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits plans, coverage, and claims.
• Coordinate with benefits vendors and brokers to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct weekly new employee orientations and provides follow up to new employee inquiries; benefit presentations to special employee populations.
• Support annual open enrollment activities by preparing materials, hosting informational sessions, and assisting employees with elections.
• Collaborate with the enrollment and administration teams to document processes and maximize efficiencies where possible.
• Maintain accurate benefits data in the HRIS; process qualifying life events, new hires, terminations, and plan changes.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and ensure timely payment and accuracy.
• Assist employees in understanding benefit options, plan provisions, and eligibility guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in benefits administration or related HR function.
• Progressive experience working with HR systems.
• HRIS experience.
• Knowledge of benefit plans, retirement programs (including 403(b)).
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to health and welfare benefits, including ACA, HIPAA, ERISA and others.
• PHR, SHRM, or CEBS certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with UKG or other HRIS benefit platforms.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Barbara Santos at bsantos or

Working at Monmouth University perks – MU offers:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Benefits
• Tuition Remission for employee upon hire
• Tuition Remission for spouse or civil-union partner and IRS dependent after one-year of full-time continuous employment
• Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Employer-sponsored Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), FSA, Telehealth and more

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.