NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Benefits Coordinator (0482)
Reports to: Director of Payroll                                                                        
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Dept./Campus: Finance                                                                                       
Pay Grade: A22
Duty Days: 235
Date Revised: 03/2026

Primary Purpose:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the district’s employee benefits and leave programs. Provide operational guidance for Benefits Specialist; also manage workflows and priorities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification(s):  

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or commensurate experience
• TASBO certification preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of employee benefits and leave programs, including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, sick leave pools and related regulations
• Strong organizational, coordination and project management skills
• Ability to interpret policy, apply procedures consistently and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, prioritize workloads and ensure accurate, timely execution
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets and Slides) preferred
• Ability to prepare reports, presentations and employee communications
• Dedication to team concepts and customer service focus

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide operational oversight of Benefits Specialist by coordinating activities, priorities and deadlines to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant administration of benefits and leave programs, including group health and ancillary benefits plans, retirement savings plans and leaves of absence. Refer complex or policy-related cases to the Director.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, new employee enrollment, and mid-year benefit changes with Benefits Specialist.
• Manage communication with Payroll, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure staff perform processes accurately, operational issues are resolved, and premium deductions comply with laws and policies, notifying the Director as needed for complex matters or policy decisions.
• Assist in developing benefits and leave related policies and procedures.
• Oversee execution of the annual open enrollment, ensuring planning, timelines, approvals, logistics, and coordination with internal departments and external partners are completed successfully.
• Draft and manage benefits communications, including the annual benefits guide, benefits presentations for new employees, and monthly benefits newsletters, for Director review and approval.
• Oversee updates to the district website content related to benefits and leave programs, subject to Director approval.
• Administer all aspects of FMLA in compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including eligibility determinations, designation notices, tracking, and required documentation.
• Coordinate FMLA concurrently with other applicable leaves (e.g., temporary disability leave, local leave) and monitor leave balances.
• Meet with employees regarding benefits and leave matters and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Provide employees with timely written notices regarding rights, responsibilities, benefit continuation and projected pay while on leave.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May assist with supervising and evaluating the performance of the Benefits Specialist.

Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.

Working Conditions:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Position requires occasional prolonged and irregular hours
• Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer
• Position requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, overhead reaching, sitting, and keyboarding
• Position requires the ability to lift 25 pounds to waist high

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.

Salary : $82,234 - $107,934