Benefits Analyst

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Reporting to the Director, Compensation and Benefits, and working alongside the HRIS team, the Benefits Analyst will report on, analyze, and audit the College's benefit plans and programs, manage and maintain the benefits system, and provide tier 1 customer support to employees.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employee Support

• Conduct New Hire Orientations for all employee classifications, including coordinating and hosting educational bi-weekly benefits walk-in sessions
• Provides support to employees on all health & welfare programs
• Primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding 403b, pension and financial audit requests, and provide requested support
• Other duties as assigned

Collaboration

• Participate actively in cross-functional and related project initiatives to ensure proposed updates and changes to business processes consider the impact, scope and other considerations for the benefits function
• Lead HR benefits application development and system conversion/migration projects
• Build and maintain strong partnerships and collaborate with the team, key business partners
• Collaborate and participate in compensation-related projects

Vendor Management

• Process benefits invoices for payment. These include monthly invoices for medical, dental, vision, COBRA, Commuter Program fees, HSA Plan fees, life insurance, Long Term Disability, and EAP
• Ensure prompt funding of weekly FSA payments and HSA contributions on a per paycheck basis
• Responsible for all benefits-related data file remittances and reconciliations
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with insurance carriers and with related vendors

System design, configuration, and reporting

• Utilize internal systems to run queries and format reports related to benefits (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly basis, required government reports, etc.)
• Ensure accuracy of data through routine data audits and validation to identify discrepancies and missing data; advise appropriate HR staff of corrections as needed
• Provide recommendations for new reports as organizational goals change
• Produce complex ad-hoc reports and HR dashboards to automate data delivery where possible
• Construct reports that support strategies to automate processes as well as identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in identifying new HR needs and the software products to fulfill these needs
• Provide technical and functional support for production systems, schedules, and plans for system upgrades, patches, testing and other technical projects for HR systems
• Maintains the confidentiality and security of data accessed during the course of daily activities
• Develop & maintain HR systems training documents
• Maintain accuracy and update the HR Benefits webpage and the Benefits Management BenefitFocus platform as necessary.
• Support cyclical benefits activities, including but not limited to open enrollment, rate updates, ACA reporting etc.
• Ensure data integrity and security for all systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent of training and experience
• 2-3 years of experience in Benefits, HR or Payroll that includes completing various data reports and requests
• Proficient use of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint with the ability to learn and adapt to web-based technology
• Strong customer service skills with proven experience responding to employee inquiries, resolving benefits issues, and explaining complex information in a clear, supportive manner.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a demanding work environment
• Ability to work independently and interact collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with the ability to draw valid conclusions, formulate sound recommendations
• Proven ability to maintain data accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee and benefits information.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Knowledge of 403(b) and pension plans, and experience conducting financial audits
• Ability to communicate, both written and verbal, with poise and tact in a positive and effective manner with students, faculty, and staff in a diverse environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HRIS/Benefits Management platforms, such as Benefitfocus, PeopleSoft, or Banner HR
• Previous exposure to project-related activities through active participation in system-related projects
• Familiarity with ACA reporting and other federal and state benefits-related regulations
• Experience in processing and reconciling vendor invoices and data files
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver clear, engaging training materials
• Experience creating HR dashboards and automating reports to support organizational goals and improve efficiency.

Salary Range:

$63,000 - $66,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors, including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate, as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.