Benefits Operations & Compliance Manager
Description
Reporting to the Director of Engagement & Development, the Benefits Operations & Compliance Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, compliance, and governance of the University’s employee benefits programs. This role leads plan design, vendor management, regulatory compliance, plan administration and cost analysis to ensure benefits offerings are competitive, sustainable, and aligned with institutional goals. This position serves as the primary subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits and compliance matters.
Primary Responsibilities
- Administer and manage employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, COBRA, commuter programs, phased retirement, life insurance, disability, retirement, tuition remission, tuition exchange, and wellness initiatives.
- Oversee daily benefit operations, including enrollment, billing, reconciliation and benefit changes.
- Maintain accurate benefits data in WorkDay System and ensure timely processing of benefits-related transactions.
- Provide expert guidance and support to employees on benefits-related questions, policies, and claims issues, with a focus on resolving complex inquiries.
- Design and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications and educational materials.
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive benefits and Workday education strategy that builds fluency across the Suffolk community, improves user confidence, and promotes informed decision-making.
- Develop, manage and implement annual open enrollment processes, including planning, communications, and employee education sessions.
- Develop and review standard reports and information for benefit programs for internal purposes and external reporting requirements.
- Manage processes that support compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, ACA, 5550 filings, nondiscrimination testing and IRS requirements.
- Serve as the primary contact for benefits vendors, brokers, consultants, counsel and auditors.
- Administer and manage the University’s retirement plans including new enrollments. Communicate information to employees regarding program. Ensure that changes are made correctly in Workday and with external providers. Approve distributions and ensure compliance. Facilitate retirement plan changes for updates in plan design and legislative changes by working with Retirement Planning Committee and external counsel.
- Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and market trends to inform recommendations for plan design and cost-containment strategies.
- Partner with HR leadership to align benefits offerings with Suffolk values and goals, and overall employee well-being.
- Collaborate with Payroll, WorkDay, and internal HR teams to ensure integrated and efficient processes, fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Represent Suffolk University at consortium or professional association meetings related to benefits and total rewards.
- Monitor vendor performance and service delivery to ensure quality and value for employees and the institution.
- Manage employee wellness benefits with a focus on accessibility, education, and engagement, helping employees understand and fully utilize resources that support their overall well-being.
- Support other Human Resources initiatives as needed.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience Master’s degree preferred or certification such as CEBS, CBP, or PHR/SPHR.
- Not-for-profit, University setting benefits experience preferred.
- Experience working with self-insured and fully-insured plans, and defined contribution plans.
- Experience managing self-funded or consortium-based health plans.
- Strong computer skills including: MS Office (Word and Excel), Outlook, Workday, preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Must be committed to providing the highest level of customer service and responsiveness.
- Demonstrated experience working in a high volume, deadline-oriented customer focused environment.
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must have ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and provide exemplary customer service.
Salary: $75,000.00 - $125,000.00
Salary Transparency
Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment.
As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.
