Benefits Administration Generalist / Human Resources Generalist

Michigan State University is seeking a customer-focused Human Resources Generalist to join the Benefits team. In this role, you will serve as a key resource for faculty, staff, students, and retirees, providing guidance on a wide range of benefits programs, enrollment processes, qualifying life events, and eligibility requirements.

About the Role

Through phone, email, virtual platforms, and in-person interactions, you will help customers navigate benefit options and ensure a positive service experience. This position supports benefit enrollments, processes benefit-related transactions, assists with new hire onboarding and annual open enrollment activities, and helps ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting the well-being of the MSU community while contributing to continuous process improvement and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Respond to benefit-related inquiries from faculty, staff, retirees, students, and graduate assistants regarding eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and qualifying life events.
• Serve as a first point of contact for customers seeking assistance with benefit plans, forms, online systems, and vendor portals.
• Review, verify, and process benefit enrollment forms and transactions accurately and within established deadlines.
• Support newly eligible employees during onboarding by providing benefit education, enrollment guidance, and issue resolution.
• Assist with annual open enrollment activities and ongoing benefits outreach and educational initiatives.
• Provide front-counter support and deliver exceptional customer service through in-person, phone, and email interactions.
• Communicate benefit plan provisions, university policies, and procedural requirements in a clear and understandable manner.
• Support compliance efforts related to Section 125, COBRA, HIPAA, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with university partners, including the Office for International Students and Scholars, to support benefit eligibility and coverage requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements, policy updates, and other special projects that enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to provide responsive, accurate, and professional support to a diverse customer population.
• Ability to clearly explain complex benefit information, policies, and procedures both verbally and in writing.
• Strong accuracy and organization skills when reviewing documentation, processing transactions, and managing deadlines.
• Ability to analyze issues, identify appropriate solutions, and support compliance with applicable regulations and university policies.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and campus partners while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in human resources or a related field; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources with a focus on benefits administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in benefits administration is highly preferred, along with knowledge of and familiarity with HR systems and contact center software.
• A strong customer service orientation is essential, including demonstrated ability to exceed expectations and effectively support multiple stakeholders such as employees, managers, HR partners, and departmental representatives.

Benefits

• Support the health, well-being, and financial security of faculty, staff, students, and retirees across one of the nation's leading public universities.
• Expand your expertise through professional development, training, and exposure to evolving benefits programs and regulations.
• Work alongside experienced professionals who are committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.

Pay

The salary range for this position is fixed at $56,446 – $60,783. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Schedule

This position follows a standard 8-5 schedule. It is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University, with a hybrid work schedule available (if desired), requiring regular onsite work 3 days per week. All work schedules must be pre-approved by the supervisor.