Washington State University

Benefits Manager

Washington State University$80K — $135K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4 years of experienced in HR benefit programs.
  • 1 year of supervisory experience in coaching and professional development.
  • Experience in interpreting federal and state benefits regulations.
  • Vendor management experience.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Experience interfacing with diverse groups at varying levels.
  • Proficiency in computer software applications.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all aspects of Benefits Administration at WSU.
  • Serve as a specialist for complex benefit issues and problems.
  • Manage Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) benefits and Washington State Healthcare Authority benefits.
  • Administer benefits staff effectively and ensure smooth operations.
  • Collaborate with management to foster a productive workplace through communication and best practices.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid sick and vacation leave.
  • Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Retirement and deferred compensation options.
  • Employee tuition waiver for continued education.
  • Training and development opportunities.
Full Job Description
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
July 12, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):
1162-NN_ADMINPRO - Manager

Business Title:
Benefits Manager

Employee Type:
Admin. Professional

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

As the Benefits Manager you will be responsible for providing primary and overall management, and leadership in the area of Benefits Administration. In addition to having responsibility for all aspects of Benefits Administration at WSU, you will serve as a specialist for complex benefit issues and problems; manages and administers Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) / Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) Benefits; manages benefits staff.

You will work closely with management to foster a collaborative and productive workplace through open communication and promoting best practices.

This position is located on the WSU Pullman campus in Pullman, Washington.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt

Monthly Salary: $6,684 - $11,250 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible human resource experience in benefit programs, including retirement plans (defined benefit and defined contribution), health insurance, medical spending accounts, life insurance or long-term disability benefits. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
  • At least one (1) year of supervisory experience facilitating employee growth and accountability through coaching and professional development.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal and state benefits regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience with vendor management.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including conflict-resolution skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
  • Experience cultivating an environment where all individuals are treated with value and respect.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with enterprise HRIS platforms or benefits administration modules (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft, or Dayforce).
  • Demonstrated experience in ensuring insurance eligibility components of Family Medical Leave and other leave programs.
  • Professional certification from a recognized human resource/personnel association.
  • HR experience in a higher education setting.
  • Experience with the state of Washington Public Employee Benefit Board benefits program.
  • Experience/Understanding of the state of Washington Paid Family Medical Leave program.
  • Experience in any of the following areas: classification, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, training and development, and medical leave and accommodation.


Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions: Applications received by the screening date of June 29, 2026, will receive first consideration. If an adequate number of qualified applications are received before the closing date listed above, the posting may close to new applications early.

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the "Application Document" section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

About Washington State University

Washington State University is a public land-grant research university with its flagship, and oldest, campus in Pullman, Washington. Founded in 1890, WSU is also one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West. With an undergraduate enrollment of 24,278 and a total enrollment of 28,581, it is the second largest institution for higher education in Washington state behind the University of Washington. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The WSU Pullman campus stands on a hill and is characterized by open spaces and a red brick and basalt material palette—materials originally found on site. The university sits within the rolling topography of the Palouse in rural eastern Washington and remains closely connected to the town and the region. The university also operates campuses across Washington at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver, all founded in 1989. In 2012, WSU launched an Internet-based Global Campus, which includes its online degree program, WSU Online. In 2015, WSU expanded to a sixth campus at WSU Everett. These campuses award primarily bachelor's and master's degrees. Freshmen and sophomores were first admitted to the Vancouver campus in 2006 and to the Tri-Cities campus in 2007. WSU's athletic teams are called the Cougars and the school colors are crimson and gray. Six men's and nine women's varsity teams compete in NCAA Division I in the Pac-12 Conference. Both men's and women's indoor track teams compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Learn more about Washington State University

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