Associate Director of Benefits

Job Summary
This position reports to the Director of Benefits and is responsible for providing advanced-level administration and oversight of the University’s employee benefits programs. The Associate Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of key benefits operations, including leaves of absence, ADA accommodations, retirement programs, and designated compliance-related benefits activities. The Associate Director functions as a senior subject-matter expert and primary operational lead, carrying a significant casework portfolio while also serving as a strategic and operational backup to the Director. This role supports the effective administration, compliance, and delivery of health and welfare benefits and provides guidance to employees on complex benefits matters.

Job Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Administer and manage day-to-day benefits operations, including group health/medical/dental coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, leaves of absence, unemployment, workers’ compensation, 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending plans, and other voluntary benefits.
Serve as the primary administrator for leaves of absence, including FMLA, NYPFL, disability, and other statutory and institutional leave programs.
Manage the University’s ADA accommodation process, including interactive process coordination, documentation, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Assist with administration of 403(b) plan, including: automatic enrollments, deferral changes, non-discrimination testing, audits, government filings.
Collaborate closely with partners across Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel, and other University stakeholders to ensure coordinated and compliant handling of employee matters, particularly where leaves of absence, ADA accommodations, performance concerns, and complaints of bias, discrimination, or retaliation intersect.
Present and provide benefits overview at new hire orientations.
Provide retirement counseling to employees, including guidance on 403(b) and supplemental retirement plans, and coordinate with plan vendors as needed.
Manage the HR-administered portion of the Tuition Exchange Program, specifically overseeing outbound (export) applications for University employees.
Conduct complex benefits case management, resolving employee issues with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Serve as a key resource for interpreting benefits policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
Assist the Director of Benefits in ensuring compliance with all applicable benefits-related laws, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, ADA, FMLA, and other relevant regulations.
Support benefits-related reporting, audits, invoices, reconciliations, and documentation, including coordination with Payroll/HRIS, Business Affairs, and external vendors.
Assist with the administration of the annual Open Enrollment process, including coordination with vendors, system updates, and employee communications.
Partner with the Director on benefits projects, implementations, and process improvements.
Act as a backup to the Director of Benefits in their absence or as delegated, ensuring continuity of operations.
Provide guidance and support to the Benefits Representative, and assist in ensuring timely and accurate responses to employee inquiries, benefits inbox management, and data entry in Banner (the University’s HRIS).
Maintain accurate and confidential benefits records in accordance with University policies and legal requirements.

Competencies, Education, Experience
Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, including health and welfare plans and retirement programs.
Demonstrated experience engaging in an interactive process for leaves of absence and ADA accommodations in a collaborative, well-documented, and legally compliant manner, including effectively partnering with managers and other stakeholders to assess operational needs while ensuring fair and equitable outcomes.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Exceptional customer service and employee-facing communication skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
High level of discretion and experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment.
Effective collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Experience with Banner HRIS systems a plus
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred. SPHR, PHR, SHRM or CEBS Certification a plus.
Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration required, including direct experience with leave management, ADA accommodations, and retirement programs.
Experience working in higher education preferred.