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.

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 is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. It allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 3 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

Standard work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM.