Benefits Analyst, Health and Welfare Programs

Villanova University, founded in 1842, is a mission-driven Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Ranked among the nation’s best colleges, Villanova values truth, unity, and love, fostering a community dedicated to service. Employees enjoy a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, competitive retirement savings, flexible work options, wellness programs, professional development, and tuition assistance.

About the role

The Benefits Analyst supports the administration and analysis of the University’s health and welfare and tuition benefit programs. This role maintains benefits data integrity, assists with benefits administration, audits enrollment and payroll information, supports compliance, and provides exceptional customer service to employees. The analyst serves as a technical resource for benefit plan administration, supports annual open enrollment, prepares reports, and partners with internal stakeholders, vendors, and third-party administrators.

Programs supported include medical, prescription, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, COBRA, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, tuition remission, and tuition exchange.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration
  • Administer health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, COBRA, voluntary benefits, and employee assistance programs.
  • Manage annual open enrollment activities, including system testing, employee communications, enrollment audits, reporting, and issue resolution with third-party administrators and vendors.
  • Respond to employee questions regarding benefit plans, eligibility, enrollments, claims, billing issues, and life event changes; escalate complex issues as needed.
  • Maintain knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee benefit programs, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Benefits Systems, Data Management, and Compliance
  • Maintain employee benefit data within the benefits administration system, ensuring accurate enrollment, eligibility, payroll deductions, census information, and system integrations.
  • Perform routine audits and data validation to maintain data integrity.
  • Audit benefit deductions, enrollment files, COBRA administration, HIPAA processes, and vendor eligibility files to ensure compliance and accuracy.
  • Research and resolve discrepancies in partnership with Payroll, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Tuition Benefit Programs
  • Administer tuition remission and tuition exchange programs, including conducting information sessions, reviewing and processing applications, evaluating appeals, and advising employees on eligibility.
• Employee Communications and Resources
  • Assist in maintaining benefit communications, employee resources, and Human Resources website content to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Nonessential Functions
  • Provide backup support for other Human Resources team members as needed.
  • Participate in benefits projects, system implementations, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Recommend improvements to benefit administration processes, reporting, and operational efficiencies.
  • Maintain current knowledge of employee benefits trends, regulations, and best practices through professional development.
  • Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Formal Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in employee benefits administration, benefits analysis, or a related field. Experience using HRIS and benefits administration systems to maintain employee records and generate reports.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to audit data, identify discrepancies, and recommend solutions.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to explain complex benefit information clearly.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with HR teams, Payroll, vendors, and HR Campus Partners.
  • Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive employee information appropriately.
• Specific Job Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of health and welfare benefit programs and benefits administration practices.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state laws governing employee benefit plans, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, and ERISA.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, or SHRM-CP certification.
• Experience working with health and welfare benefit plans and HRIS/benefits administration systems.
• Experience with Banner or similar ERP/HRIS systems.

Pay

This position falls within salaried grade 15, with a salary range of $65,300–$81,600. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month position.