All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).Working Title:State Prog Admin Manager - System Manager for Benefits
Institution: Minnesota State System Office
Classification Title:State Prog Admin Manager
Bargaining Unit / Union:220: Managerial Plan
City:St. Paul
FLSA:Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:Full time
Employment Condition: Classified - Unlimited
Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10
Job DescriptionThe position is accountable for the overall effectiveness, quality, and consistency of benefits and retirement service delivery across the Minnesota State system. Plan, organize, direct, and manage systemwide benefits and retirement administration functions for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. This position provides strategic and operational leadership over benefits delivery within the HR Shared Services model, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and compliant services across the enterprise. The incumbent is accountable for establishing vision, priorities, and performance expectations for benefits operations and for building a high-performing team that delivers responsive, customer-focused services. This role ensures alignment between enterprise strategy, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.
Salary Range:$41.58 - $60.10/hourly ($86,819 - $125,489/annually)
Minimum Qualifications- Minimum of five (5) years of professional HR experience in benefits, retirement, payroll, HRIS, or related disciplines. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
- Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
- Experience administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and ACA compliance.
- Experience interpreting employment laws, contracts, and policies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Preferred Qualification - Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).
- Experience in a public sector or unionized environment.
- Experience with Minnesota State systems (e.g., Workday, SCUPPS/SEMA4) and retirement plan administration.
- Experience leading change initiatives or shared services operations.
- Knowledge of higher education HR and benefits practices
Other Requirementsn/a
Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework (Yes/No)Hybrid
Benefits Information: At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.
To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.
Desired Start Date:10-15-2026
Position End Date:Open Date:08-26-2026
Close Date:09-22-2026
Posting Contact Name:Deb Gehrke
Posting Contact Email: 
