Benefits Financial Planning Specialist Administrative Associate I

Working/Functional Title

Benefits Financial Planning Specialist

Position Summary

The Benefits Financial Planning Specialist provides advanced financial analysis modeling and decision support to ensure the longterm financial sustainability and strategic design of Michigan State Universitys employee benefit programs. This role supports benefits budgeting financial planning contracting and leadership decisionmaking across health prescription drug dental and related benefit plans.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $82685 $91600. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing Michigan on the campus of Michigan State University. The position allows for a fully remote work schedule if desired. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual team and department and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

What Youll Do

As the Benefits Financial Planning Specialist you will:

• Lead benefits budgeting and ongoing financial monitoring including cost reporting rate forecasting and trend analysis for health prescription drug dental and related plans.
• Develop multiyear financial models dashboards and advanced analyses using enrollment claims and market data to support Total Rewards and HR strategic planning.
• Deliver customized financial analysis and modeling to support leadership decisionmaking HR strategy and collective bargaining preparation.
• Provide financial and strategic support for benefits contracting activities including RFP and vendor evaluations with a focus on cost competitiveness vendor performance and plan design alignment.
• Monitor validate and analyze benefits data to support OPEB valuation fiscal yearend close audits reconciliations and regulatory and compliance reporting.
• Collaborate closely with HR Finance the MSU Controllers Office Central Finance procurement partners consultants and vendors.
• Represent HR on university committees working groups and project teams and remain current on healthcare benefits and regulatory trends.

What Were Looking For

• Ability to perform advanced financial analysis budgeting forecasting and multiyear modeling to inform strategic benefits decisions and longterm financial sustainability.
• Strong understanding of employee benefit financing healthcare cost drivers insurance principles and plan design considerations within complex organizations.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing large complex datasets and translating technical information into clear decisionready insights through models dashboards and reports.
• Proven capability to support leadership decisionmaking longrange planning and collective bargaining through customized financial analysis and scenario modeling.
• Effective collaborator and communicator who can convey complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders while navigating ambiguity exercising sound judgment and applying best practices.

Why Join Us

At Michigan State University youll play a vital role in shaping benefit programs that support a diverse and dynamic workforce. This position offers the opportunity to influence institutionwide decisions engage in meaningful crosscampus collaboration and contribute to innovative datainformed benefits strategies at one of the nations leading public universities.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Finance Business Administration Accounting Data Science Human Resources or a closely related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in benefits finance benefits administration financial analysis budget administration or a related analytical or financial discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting the administration or financial operations of group employee benefit plans including health prescription drug or dental insurance. Technical knowledge of insurance concepts benefit funding mechanisms and employee benefit plans in a governmental or higher education environment. Experience applying accounting principles and preparing or interpreting financial reports. Demonstrated ability to work independently as an organized resourceful professional with strong attention to detail consistent followthrough and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin citizenship age disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.