The Benefits Manager is responsible for the planning, administration, and delivery of the University's comprehensive employee benefits programs, as well as employee leave and accommodation programs. Contributing to an exceptional employee experience for faculty and staff, this position proactively explores and employs strategies and programs that effectively meet employees' needs, while ensuring that the plans/programs are consistent with University policies and all applicable federal and state laws. The position reports to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources and supervises the Benefits and Leaves Specialist. Required Education • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, or bachelor's in an unrelated field with appropriate relevant work experience. • PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP, or other related HR certifications are desirable. Required Experience • Five to eight years of Human Resources experience, including substantial benefits and leave administration. Primary Duties/Essential Functions Benefits • Designs, implements, and administers university employee benefit programs (e.g., medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, EAP, wellness, 403(b) plan). • Ensures excellent customer service to internal and external customers, providing prompt, thorough, and courteous responses to employee benefit inquiries (e.g., enrollment, claims, life events). • Evaluates and recommends plan design changes to ensure employee benefits are robust and competitive while managing costs within budget. Monitors benefits budgets to ensure actual costs are trending within budgeted/projected amounts. • Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees. Updates and maintains plan documents, summary plan descriptions, vendor agreements, and related contracts and amendments. • Administers the employee wellness program, including budget, event planning, and participation. Collaborates with others in HR and external to HR on event logistics, communications, and other deliverables; coordinates on-site workshops and other wellness-related services. • Oversees the annual open enrollment process, including the coordination and distribution of materials, facilitation of presentations, and arrangements of representation by providers; ensures updates are made to all benefit materials and that relevant deadlines are met. • Coordinates transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration; resolves conflicts with providers related to eligibility, claims, and other data. • Manages the 403(b) plan discrimination testing and annual audit, working closely with the Business Office and the AVP of Human Resources. • Provides reporting as needed to various internal stakeholders, including faculty/staff tuition discount eligibility information, HSA and FSA contributions, and other payroll- and benefit- related needs. • Works with the third-party provider to administer COBRA process when required. • Audits data transmission between systems on a regular basis, resolving discrepancies as needed. Leaves and Accommodations • Manages all leaves of absence (LOA) and short-term disability (STD) filings, as well as the ADA interactive process for employees seeking an accommodation. • Interprets and clarifies LOA policies to address inquiries from employees, managers, and HR staff. • Analyzes SDI/FMLA claims to determine eligibility and provide certification in compliance with state and federal regulations. • Responsible for disability case management. • Ensures that LOA and accommodation policy questions received by phone or email receive timely and accurate responses. • Ensures that LOA status and coordination of pay through HRIS and APU's electronic timekeeping system is done in a timely and accurate manner. • Works with the Office of General Counsel, HR Business Partners, and the Associate Vice President of Human Resources as needed on complex leave and accommodation matters. • Identifies potential risks to the university and escalates as necessary. • Provides training to departments as needed and upon request in the areas of LOA, Workers' Compensation injury reporting, and ADA accommodations. Workers' Compensation • In conjunction with the Benefits and Leaves Specialist, manages all aspects of Workers' Compensation (WC) claims, from initial report of injury through investigation and coordination of benefits. Works with injured employees and claims adjusters to ensure quality treatment and effective return to work. • Provides oversight for the third-party administrator with regard to WC and disability claims. • Works closely with the Risk Manager in regularly assessing trends and communicating injury details. • Oversees OSHA-related reports and logs, ensuring that processes are being appropriately followed. Other Human Resources Duties • General knowledge of other HR functions. • Serves on university-wide committees and performs other duties as assigned. Skills • Ability to demonstrate a high sense of confidentiality, professionalism, and sense of urgency. • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. • Ability to work collaboratively with a team. • Self-starter with a positive attitude. Mental Demands • Ability to work under pressure, displaying a professional demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment with accuracy and consistency. • In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students. Physical Demands • Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard. • Hearing and speaking on the telephone. • Ability to conduct business at other offices on campus. • Ability to lift, bend, grasp, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally. Visual Demands • Reading, writing notes, and using a computer monitor. Environment • Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures. Technologies • Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel. • PeopleSoft, ADP, and/or other HRIS experience is desirable. Compensation • Grade 16: 85,197 - $100,000 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package .