Benefits Specialist

Position Title

Benefits Specialist

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Benefits Specialist I (Inst)

Job Duties

• Provides accurate, timely, and comprehensive supplemental retirement benefit information to institutional HR professionals and employees.
• Responds to and resolves complex employee supplemental retirement benefits questions, feedback, and problems from employees, HR leadership, and campus partners through various mediums, including the ticketing system.
• Advises current and prospective employees and HR and benefits staff on 403(b) SRP benefit eligibility, options, and applicable timelines according to established policies and procedures.
• Researches and audits benefit enrollments and changes according to established policies and procedures.
• Develops and facilitates employee UW 403(b) SRP and financial wellness benefit trainings and associated resources and materials, including articles and the information on the UW 403(b) Program webpage.
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing complex benefit information.
• Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and recommends changes.
• Assists the UW 403(b) Program Administrator with program problem resolution and program monitoring; in achieving continuous programmatic administrative improvements/efficiencies; and with communicating pertinent information to stakeholders regarding the UW 403(b) SRP.
• Collaborates with institutions, UW Service Center, 403(b) investment companies and employees in resolving issues, answering UW 403(b) Program questions, calculating contribution limits, confirming, and assisting with enrollments, reporting termination dates to companies, and ensuring compliance with federal laws and plan guidelines.
• Collaborates with payroll and benefits staff, UW Shared Services, and recordkeepers to support accurate processing and reconciliation of UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program contributions and payroll deductions.
• Affords support to the UW 403(b) SRP Advisory Committee by researching, drafting, copying, and distributing meeting materials as assigned, and taking meeting minutes.
• Works collaboratively to revise and develop documents for proper administration of the 403(b) SRP including, but not limited to, contact lists, manuals, training materials, business process documentation for proper administration of the UW 403(b) SRP, propose plan modifications, as needed.
• Assists with 403(b) enrollment promotion campaigns, under the direction of the 403(b) Plan Administrator and in collaboration with vendors and institutions, to educate participants about the UW 403(b) SRP.
• Works collaboratively with the UW 403(b) Program recordkeepers, the Plan Administrator, and others to resolve contractual and administrative issues.
• Performs duties with professional demeanor, tact, diplomacy and with a customer-service focus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with institutions, UW Service Center, 403(b) investment companies and employees in resolving issues, answering UW 403(b) Program questions, calculating contribution limits, confirming, and assisting with enrollments, reporting termination dates to companies, and ensuring compliance with federal laws and plan guidelines.
• Coordinate with payroll and benefits staff, UW Shared Services, and recordkeepers to support accurate processing and reconciliation of UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program contributions and payroll deductions.
• Afford support to the UW 403(b) SRP Advisory Committee by researching, drafting, copying, and distributing meeting materials as assigned, and taking meeting minutes.
• Work collaboratively to revise and develop documents for proper administration of the 403(b) SRP including, but not limited to, contact lists, manuals, training materials, business process documentation for proper administration of the UW 403(b) SRP, propose plan modifications, as needed.
• Assist with 403(b) enrollment promotion campaigns, under the direction of the 403(b) Plan Administrator and in collaboration with vendors and institutions, to educate participants about the UW 403(b) SRP.
• Work collaboratively with the UW 403(b) Program recordkeepers, the Plan Administrator, and others to resolve contractual and administrative issues.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited institution.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience with computers in a Microsoft office environment and using basic office equipment.
• Ability to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with or to learn and master computer technology/software programs, including website utilities software, such as WordPress.
• Experience with a benefits enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, SAP, etc.).
• Knowledge of data querying, reporting, and analysis techniques used to support administration and operational decision-making.
• Exceptional attention to detail. Ability to research and analyze complicated issues and materials with the ability to present clear and concise summaries or, arrive at effective and workable solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to create professional documents, presentations, emails, and communication memoranda.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), investment concepts, and financial planning basics.

Department

The Office of Trust Funds is in search of a dynamic individual to join our team. This position primarily supports the programmatic functions of the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) within a team environment and works collaboratively with Trust Funds staff, staff at the Universities of Wisconsin, UW Shared Services, UW 403(b) SRP investment company representatives, consultants, outside financial planners, and other stakeholders to achieve UW 403(b) SRP objectives. This position reports to the UW 403(b) SRP Administrator.

Compensation

The Benefits Specialist (Job Profile Title: Benefits Specialist I (Inst)) is considered a full-time, academic staff position that is salaried and FLSA exempt. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $58,000. – $68,000, commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.