Benefits Manager

Job Title: Benefits Manager
Reports To: CEO, Chukchansi Sovereign Enterprises
Salary Range: Depending on Experience (D.O.E)
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-Time, Regular with Benefits
Location: Coarsegold, CA
Benefits: Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays
Deadline: September 5, 2025

JOB SUMMARY
The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Tribe’s employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability plans administered through Chukchansi Insurance Incorporated. Reporting to the CEO of Chukchansi Sovereign Enterprises, this position ensures that all benefits are administered in compliance with applicable laws, contracts, and internal policies. The Benefits Manager serves as the primary liaison between employees, third-party administrators (TPAs), and insurance vendors, providing expert support, timely issue resolution, and ongoing education to enhance employee understanding and utilization of available benefits. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Tribe’s self-insured benefits programs while supporting the overall well-being of the workforce.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
•    Manage the day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other employee benefit plans.
•    Serve as the primary liaison with TPAs and vendors to ensure timely claim processing, accurate data reporting, and resolution of employee benefit issues.
•    Review and process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations; verify eligibility and ensure data integrity.
•    Maintain organized and secure records of plan documents, contracts, employee communications, and claims.
•    Provide ongoing support to employees and departments by explaining benefits coverage, eligibility, and claims procedures.
•    Participate in contract review processes to ensure service agreements align with Tribal goals and legal compliance.
•    Audit and monitor expenses passed through the trust by third-party providers; flag discrepancies and propose corrective actions.
•    Support annual open enrollment and wellness programs, including planning, communication, and follow-up activities.
•    Assist in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices for benefits administration.
•    Monitor compliance with HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and other applicable regulations.
•    Evaluate current processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and service quality.
•    Prepare reports on benefits utilization, cost trends, and program performance for leadership review.
•    Coordinate approvals and tracking of invoices, claims reimbursements, and TPA administrative fees.
•    Supports departmental operations through additional duties as needed.

Qualifications
Education
•    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, Public Health or a related field.

Experience
•    Minimum of three (3) years of experience in employee benefits or health insurance administration, preferably in a self-insured or tribal environment.
•    Solid knowledge of employee benefit plans and related regulatory requirements.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiar with benefits administration platforms.
•    Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced setting with competing priorities.
•    Must successfully pass a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment. 
•    Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
•    Familiarity with the Tribe’s Constitution, laws, and cultural practices is preferred but not required.
•    Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, result-driven environment.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks with integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail. 
•    Highly organized and capable of managing projects independently.
•    Comfortable interacting with individuals at all levels within the Tribal government and community.
•    Proven ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently.
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with discretion in sensitive matters. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applicants must submit the following documents: 
•    Completed Employment Application
•    Resume
•    Proof of Higher Education (if applicable)
•    Verification of Tribal Identification (if claiming Tribal or Indian Preference)

All required materials must be submitted to the Human Resources Office no later than 4:00 PM on the posted closing date. Incomplete applications or failure to submit the required documentation will result in disqualification.

Application packets may be submitted via email to: jobs@chukchansi-nsn.gov

PRCI TRIBAL PREFERENCE:
In accordance with applicable Tribal law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians (PRCI) Administration provides employment preference to enrolled PRCI Tribal Members. To qualify, applicants must submit valid proof of enrollment.

Tribal Members who meet the minimum qualifications will be given preference in hiring, promotion, transfer, and layoff decisions. During the interview process, PRCI Tribal Members will receive an additional 7.5 points (10% of the 75-point interview rubric). Non-PRCI Native American candidates will receive an additional 5 points (6.7% of the total points) in accordance with Indian Preference guidelines.

INDIAN PREFERENCE STATEMENT:
In compliance with 25 CFR Part 276 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Sections 701(b) and 703(i), employment preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and secondarily, to another qualified American Indian/Alaska Native Candidate. 

Salary : $72,000 - $84,000