Sr. Benefits Specialist

Academic Partnerships assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, AP's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of the role are as follows:

Benefits Administration

• Oversee employee benefits transactions and administration including new hire enrollments, employee changes, and terminations.

• Enable smooth execution of onboarding, off-boarding, and any related impact to benefits enrollment or eligibility.

• Coordinate and lead employee education sessions for Open Enrollment and benefits education sessions.

• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding benefits-related inquires, issues, and escalations, providing guidance and support as needed.

• Perform audits and reporting to verify accuracy of benefits-related data and invoices.

• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database, and update employee payroll records.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, COBRA, and other federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits.

• Review vendor invoices, resolve disputes, report on fees and costs, and process for payment by required deadlines.

• Coordinate with Accounting to reconcile employee insurance deductions.

• Provide input regarding plan design, health and wellness initiatives, and administrative processes for strategic initiatives.

Wellness

• Administer wellness program and quarterly/annual projects.

• Lead APfit Wellness Committee (Employee Resource Group).

• Administer employee wellbeing initiates focused on mental, physical, emotional and financial wellness and risk reduction.

• Partner with external vendors and wellness committee to provide on-going education programs and resource.

Leave of absence and accommodation administration

• Main point of contact for all employee inquiries regarding Leaves of Absence and Employee Accommodation policies, programs, compliance, processing, and resources.

• Manage all leave and accommodation requests and inquiries; collaborate with HRBP/Manager for active or upcoming leaves.

• Collaborate with Payroll on premium repayments due to being out on a leave. Validate current leave list for bi-weekly payrolls.

HR Operations

• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.

• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (required); a Master's degree or professional certification in benefits administration or Human Resources Management is a plus.

• Proven experience in benefits administration, preferably in a fast-paced and dynamic industry with online/remote stakeholders.

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex benefit information to employees.

• Proficiency in benefits administration software and Microsoft Office applications.

• 5+ years of direct experience in benefits administration, human resources.

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now and Workday is highly preferred.

Academic Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Academic Partnerships offers the following comprehensive benefits:

• PTO - accumulated from day one
• 11 designated holidays
• Medical - four options (including PPO and HDP)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability (company paid)
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account (company contribution to HSA)
• Retirement plan with company match
• Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid)
• Volunteer Time Off

Supplemental Benefits:

• Wellness program
• Alternative medicine options
• Pet discounts
• Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

Personal and Professional Development:

• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents