Benefits Administration Manager

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 1568 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 institutions 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 employee orientations benefits education workshops conferences and presentations.
• Foster a collaborative customer-focused work environment.
• Promote diversity equity inclusion and employee engagement initiatives throughout the University.
• Ensure compliance with federal state and local employment laws including ERISA ACA COBRA HIPAA FMLA ADA IRS and Department of Labor regulations.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and institutional records.

Education

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit their resume four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns please contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation disability gender identity protected veteran status or other protected class.

For more information about Virginia Union University visitVUU About Page.