Benefits Administration Manager

Location: Richmond

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The Benefits Administration Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of the University's employee benefits programs while supporting broader Human Resources operations. This position oversees benefits administration, vendor relationships, compliance, employee communications, payroll reconciliations, and HR operational initiatives. The role also provides administrative leadership by assisting with infrastructure planning, workforce assessments, organizational process improvements, project management, and implementation of strategic HR initiatives that enhance the employee experience and operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

* Administer the University's employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, flexible spending accounts, COBRA, wellness initiatives, and leave programs.

* Manage annual Open Enrollment planning, implementation, employee education, and post-enrollment audits.

* Coordinate benefits orientation sessions for new employees and conduct educational presentations throughout the year.

* Interpret benefit policies and explain plan provisions to employees while resolving complex benefit issues.

* Review benefit eligibility and process qualifying life events in accordance with federal regulations and University policy.

* Reconcile benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, carrier invoices, and vendor billing to ensure financial accuracy.

* Maintain accurate employee benefit records utilizing HRIS and benefits administration systems.

* Coordinate with Payroll to ensure timely and accurate benefit deductions.

* Assist with the daily administration of Human Resources operations, policies, and employee services.

* Support onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle activities.

* Prepare employment correspondence, reports, personnel documentation, and HR communications.

* Maintain confidential employee files and ensure compliance with institutional record retention policies.

* Respond to employee inquiries received by telephone, email, and in person regarding HR programs, benefits, and policies.

* Assist leadership with policy interpretation and employee relations matters.

* Support recruitment, orientation, employee recognition, and engagement initiatives.

* Coordinate HR meetings, workshops, training sessions, and campus events.

* Perform advanced administrative and clerical duties supporting Human Resources operations.

* Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, correspondence, meeting agendas, and executive summaries.

* Organize, maintain, and audit electronic and physical records.

* Schedule meetings, coordinate calendars, manage departmental communications, and monitor workflow priorities.

* Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HR processes.

* Manage multiple projects and deadlines while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

* Develop and maintain productive relationships with benefit carriers, third-party administrators, consultants, and external vendors.

* Evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements to enhance service delivery.

* Participate in vendor selection, contract negotiations, and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.

* Coordinate implementation of new benefit programs and technology solutions.

* Conduct workforce assessments to identify operational needs, staffing trends, and opportunities for organizational improvement.

* Assist leadership in workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.

* Analyze HR metrics, turnover trends, employee feedback, and benefit utilization to support strategic decision-making.

* Assist with infrastructure planning to support departmental growth and organizational objectives.

* Develop and implement 30-, 60-, and 90-day operational plans for HR initiatives.

* Evaluate existing workflows and recommend improvements that increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

* Monitor departmental workflows and identify opportunities to improve productivity.

* Ensure timely completion of recurring administrative functions.

* Facilitate…