This job posting expires at 11:59PM on July 24, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on July 24, 2026.

Job Title: Benefits Administrator

Department: Human Resources

External Hiring Range: $76,616.53 - $97,187.93

Compensation Grade: 3008

Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

Purpose of the position:

To perform responsible professional and administrative work in the development, implementation, administration, and communication of employee benefit programs for County employees. Work includes administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave administration, compliance reporting, employee communications, vendor relations, and benefits-related data analysis. The employee serves as a subject matter expert regarding employee benefits and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Compensation & Benefits Manager.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in benefits design, strategy, and/or program management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Human resources experience in local government or the public sector is preferred.

Additional Training and Experience: Certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CEBS preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: None

Essential Functions of the position:

• Administers employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits.

• Serves as liaison between the County and benefit vendors, brokers, third-party administrators, and retirement agencies.

• Assists in evaluating and implementing benefit programs and wellness initiatives.

• Monitors vendor performance and assists with contract administration and renewals.

• Processes employee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events in the HRIS and carrier systems.

• Conducts benefit orientations for new employees and educates employees regarding available benefit programs.

• Coordinates and administers the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system configuration, vendor coordination, and employee meetings.

• Reviews and reconciles benefit invoices and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and resolves complex benefit issues.

• Create and configure all benefit plans, rates, eligibility parameters and passive events within the HCM system. Create reports based on available benefit data. Work closely with the HCM IT Support Team for bi-annual update testing and tenant changes.

• Administers participation in the North Carolina Retirement Systems (LGERS and TSERS, as applicable). Assists employees with supplemental retirement plans, including 401(k), and 457 programs.

• Coordinates COBRA administration and monitors qualifying events.

• Assists with ACA eligibility tracking and annual reporting requirements, including Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.

• Maintains confidential employee records in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy requirements.

• Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the County's benefits package.

• In collaboration with Employee & Family Health, develop and implement outcomes-based programs designed to reduce employee health care costs and maximize return on investment.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of employee benefit programs and administration practices.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, 401k and 457 plans, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements.

• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and plan documents.

• Ability to communicate complex benefits information clearly and effectively.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration systems, Microsoft Office applications, and spreadsheet analysis.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and administration. Ability to evaluate complex information, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and make sound recommendations. Exceptional attention to detail.

• Skilled in developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, conceptual designs, and budget requirements for assigned areas, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational needs.

• Ability to exercise sound and timely judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Skilled in public presentations.