Benefits Manager (Human Resources)

Our Mission: To ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and respectful educational community in which we: Foster a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment. Provide all students with equitable opportunities for deep and meaningful learning through multiple pathways. Empower all students to develop and apply their unique strengths, passions, and curiosities. Partner with our community to meet our goals while optimizing the effective and efficient use of our resources.

Location: Central Office

Pay: $75,000 - $80,000

Hours: Full-time/ 12 months

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

Principal Responsibilities: Manage and administer the District's comprehensive employee and retiree benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b), and other benefit offerings. Serve as the primary resource and subject matter expert for employees, retirees, and others regarding benefit programs, eligibility, coverage, enrollment, and plan provisions. Oversee the administration of employee and retiree benefits throughout the employment lifecycle, including new hire enrollment, qualifying life events, status changes, leaves of absence, retirement, and termination. Coordinate and oversee the annual open enrollment process for active employees and retirees, including planning, communications, employee education, enrollment activities, and coordination with benefit providers and third-party administrators. Manage relationships with insurance carriers, benefit providers, consultants, and third-party administrators, monitor service levels and resolve complex benefit issues and discrepancies. Review, reconcile, and approve monthly insurance invoices and benefit related billing to ensure accuracy and proper allocation of costs. Coordinate retiree insurance billing and payments. Collaborate with the Payroll Department to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit deductions, changes, and adjustments. Administer premium billing and collection for employees on unpaid leave and other applicable circumstances. Receive, process, and reconcile employee and retiree benefit payments and maintain accurate records of all transactions. Manage the District's COBRA administration in coordination with the third-party administrator. Monitor benefit plan compliance and assist in ensuring the District's benefit programs are administered in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and District policies. Coordinate and oversee District wellness initiatives and benefit related programs designed to support employee health, engagement, and well being. Oversee the administration and processing of workers' compensation matters, including coordination with employees, administrators, insurance providers, and appropriate District personnel. Develop and maintain effective procedures, processes, and internal controls to ensure the efficient and accurate administration of District benefit programs. Prepare benefit related reports, analyses, and information for the Director, administration, and other stakeholders as needed. Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and retiree information and ensure compliance with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements. Communicate benefit information clearly and effectively through written communications, presentations, meetings, and individual employee consultations. Identify opportunities to improve benefit administration processes, employee services, and operational efficiencies. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or equivalent experience. Experience working for municipalities, school districts or within a union environment. Strong attention to detail. Effective communication skills. Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage them effectively. Experience in using Google workspace, Microsoft products, Munis, Powerschool, Schoolspring etc. Experience working in an HR environment preferred. Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. The Wachusett Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other class protected by law.