HR Manager - and Wellness

Summary

Michigan Technological University invites applications for a Health, Welfare, and Retirement Programs Manager. The role will lead the daily administration and execution of the university’s health, welfare, and retirement benefits programs, manage HRIS benefits data, audit billing, oversee leave administration (FMLA/ADA), and execute the annual open enrollment process. The manager will serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and oversee workplace wellness initiatives.

This position is posted for in‑person, hybrid, or fully remote work. Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before July 15, 2026.

• Translate strategic goals into actionable benefits and wellness programs, managing everything from initial rollout to ongoing employee participation.
• Manage the daily operations of all health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans.
• Own the annual Open Enrollment process from start to finish, including building portal configurations, auditing elections, and processing data files.
• Coordinate leave management programs, processing FMLA, ADA, short‑term/long‑term disability, and paid parental leave requests with precision and empathy.
• Act as the daily operational point of contact for insurance brokers, wellness vendors, and retirement plan administrators.
• Audit monthly vendor invoices for accuracy, resolve billing discrepancies, and ensure timely data integrations (EDI feeds) between the HRIS and carriers.
• Maintain meticulous data integrity within the HRIS benefits modules, regularly auditing employee records and eligibility status.
• Execute mandatory filings, testing, and reporting requirements, including distribution of ACA 1095‑C forms, Form 5500 preparation, and HIPAA‑compliant record keeping.
• Review monthly claims utilization and enrollment data to track plan performance and identify trends.
• Serve as the accessible, go‑to resource for employees navigating complex claims issues, coverage questions, or life events.
• Serve as the Chair for various benefit‑related committees.
• Draft and distribute clear, engaging educational materials, newsletters, and guides that help employees get the most out of their benefits.
• Supervise assigned HR staff, set team goals, oversee daily activities, and foster staff development to ensure operational effectiveness and customer service.
• Provide departmental leadership, guidance, direction, and oversight of processes to ensure adherence and assist with troubleshooting.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and apply them to everyday work, actively engaging in university continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

5+ years of progressive experience in HR, benefits administration, or total rewards management.

• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or SHRM‑CP/SCP certifications are preferred.
• 1 year of team supervision, preferably in benefits.

• Advanced, hands‑on proficiency in managing and configuring benefits modules within HRIS platforms.
• Mastery of Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, data cleaning) to audit carrier invoices, reconcile billing discrepancies, and track utilization data.
• Demonstrated skill in processing and managing complex FMLA, ADA, and disability claims from initial request to return‑to‑work.
• Ability to draft clear, engaging, and jargon‑free employee communications, benefit guides, and wellness articles.
• Skill in planning, launching, and hosting interactive workplace events, such as health fairs and open enrollment webinars.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local benefits regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and Section 125 regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of how medical (PPO, HDHP/HSA), dental, vision, life, and 401(k) retirement plans operate from an administrative standpoint.
• Thoroug…