Benefits and Leave Administration Director (BENEFITS MGR 2)

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Benefits and Employee Support Teams, the Benefits and Leave Administration Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Benefits and Leave Administration programs at both Campus and Health. Responsible for managing multiple functional areas, including employee benefits, retirement, and leave administration, ensuring consistent, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery across the organization. Provides leadership for managers, supervisors, and professional staff responsible for administering complex benefit and leave programs governed by federal and state law, University policy, collective bargaining agreements, and plan documents. Develops operational strategies, establishes departmental goals and performance metrics, and leads initiatives that improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and the employee experience. Represents the organization on systemwide committees and provides strategic recommendations regarding policy development and program improvements.

About the Role

The Benefits and Employee Support Teams support the health, wellbeing, and overall employee experience of UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees through the administration and delivery of comprehensive benefits, counseling, leave, wellbeing, recognition, and employee support programs. The department provides guidance and services throughout the employee lifecycle, helping employees understand and access available programs while supporting the University's commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Program Management

• Program Administration and Compliance

• Service Delivery and Consultation

• Ledger and Talent Development

• Service and Committees

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5 years of management experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff.
  • 8 years of progressively responsible administration of benefits, retirement and leave programs in a large, complex organization.
  • Expert level experience interpreting and applying complex federal and California state laws governing employee benefits, retirement and leave programs.
  • Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational practices to ensure regulatory compliance and consistent program administration.
  • Experience successfully managing multiple priorities, projects, and operational functions in a complex environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, process improvement, and customer service initiatives.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience building collaborative relationships with executive and systemwide leadership, managers, employees, representatives, and vendors.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
  • Experience working within a large public higher education institution, academic medical center, or similarly complex public-sector organization.
  • Experience administering benefits, retirement and leave programs in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

Pay and Schedule

Salary or Pay Range: $125,600.00 - $268,000.00 annually (Budgeted Range: $180,000-200,000) Salary Frequency: Monthly Salary Grade: Grade 27 UC Job Title: BENEFITS MGR 2 UC Job Code: 000291 Number of Positions: 1 Appointment Type: Staff: Career Percentage of Time: 100 Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8 AM - 5 PM Location: Administrative Services West, Davis CA Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM) Benefits Eligible: Yes This position is hybrid (mostly remote with some on site responsibility)

Physical Demands

Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Lifting/Carrying - 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling - 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements

Occasional overtime to meet business needs. Travel including overnight, to and from campuses, UCDHS, Office of the President, and off-site UCD departments throughout the State of California.

Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination