Plan Manager - Voluntary Plans

Occupational Summary
The Health & Welfare Voluntary Plans Manager is responsible for the design, enhancement, and ongoing management of Duke University's voluntary benefit programs. This role oversees Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education, Disability, Life, and other ancillary plans to ensure they are competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. Vendor management is a key responsibility. The Health & Welfare Voluntary Plans Manager partners with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver plans that enhance employee experience, support Duke's Total Rewards strategy, and maintain financial sustainability. The role reports to the Associate Director, Health & Welfare Benefits and is a key position on the Health & Welfare Benefits Team.

Work Performed

• Manage vendors to ensure that third party providers and insurers deliver quality service, provide accurate reporting, and meet performance goals and contractual obligations for Duke's voluntary programs.
• Lead the research, analysis, and design of Duke's voluntary benefit plans that balance employee needs, cost-effectiveness, and organizational strategy.
• Proactively identify strategic opportunities to expand and modernize existing plan offerings, building on the current foundation to enhance value and employee engagement.
• Monitor industry benchmarks, emerging trends, and competitor practices within higher education and health care to ensure that Duke's benefit offerings remain competitive.
• Collaborate with consultants, carriers, and internal teams to evaluate plan design changes, negotiate renewals, and manage vendor performance.
• Review and update Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) and policy documents annually to reflect plan intent, legal requirements, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, DOL, IRS, and other regulatory requirements; implement necessary design or process changes to mitigate risk.
• Oversee monthly and quarterly meetings, annual plan reviews, audits, non-discrimination testing, tax filings, notices, and other compliance-related activities.
• Provide expert guidance to Duke HR and Benefits team members on plan provisions, regulatory requirements, and escalated issues.
• Support employee communication efforts by providing technical input and ensuring accuracy and clarity in benefits materials.
• Educate and counsel HR staff, benefit analysts and specialists, and call center representatives to enhance customer service and employee understanding of plan offerings.
• Monitor plan performance and conduct ongoing financial analysis to ensure programs remain within budget.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of voluntary benefit programs and Total Rewards strategies.
• Proven ability to strategically modernize and expand benefit offerings, enhancing current programs to align with evolving workforce needs and industry best practices.
• In-depth understanding of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks (ERISA, DOL, IRS).
• Demonstrated experience managing vendors, consultants, and carriers.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex benefit information to diverse audiences, including leadership and employees.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop Benefits team members, fostering professional growth and building team expertise.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution.

Note:This job description reflects the general nature and scope of responsibilities assigned to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a human resources management or related field. A Master's degree is preferred. Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or other benefits related coursework preferred.

Experience

Work requires five years' experience in employee benefits field, with at least two years serving in a managerial capacity. The ideal candidate will have at least 6-8 years' experience in employee benefits, and practical experience with qualified and non-qualified retirement benefit plans. Must be proficient in computer software and the latest electronic technology.

Skills

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/EqualOpportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, orveteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve of this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $89,877.00 to USD$179,754.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a human resources management or related field. A Master's Degree is preferred. Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or other benefits related coursework preferred.

Work requires five years' experience in employee benefits field, with at least two years serving in a managerial capacity. The ideal candidate will have at least 6-8 years' experience in employee benefits, and practical experience with qualified and non-qualified retirement benefit plans. Must be proficient in computer software and the latest electronic technology.

Work requires five years' experience in employee benefits field, with at least two years serving in a managerial capacity. The ideal candidate will have at least 6-8 years' experience in employee benefits, and practical experience with qualified and non-qualified retirement benefit plans. Must be proficient in computer software and the latest electronic technology.