Benefits Administrator - Office of Human Resources

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) at Carnegie Mellon University is committed to supporting faculty, staff, and student workers; success through every stage of their employment at the university. We support the Carnegie Mellon 2025 Strategic Plan by driving efficient, effective, and forward-thinking business practices to support the needs of an evolving university community. We recruit and retain outstanding people at all levels while encouraging diversity and inclusion, and support for professional and personal development!

We are seeking a Benefits Administrator to join our Health and Welfare benefits team in Pittsburgh, PA. This role is primarily responsible for the administration of university faculty and staff benefit programs, including Tuition, invoicing for all benefit programs, tracking benefit deductions in arrears and year to date, Unemployment Compensation, International Travel, and COBRA Administration. The Benefits Administrator is the subject matter authority for all assigned benefit processes and is required to maintain excellent knowledge of all related programs. The position leads compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA, and federal and state regulations, and understanding how legislative changes impact University benefits programs. In addition, the position generates benefit plan reports from financial and HRIS systems. The position coordinates programs with outside service providers and assists in the preparation and distribution of various employee benefit communications, including employee presentations as needed.

Core responsibilities:

• Tuition Administration: Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Tuition Benefit program including the determination of eligibility, processing of claims, and addressing of employee questions and concerns.
• Invoicing: Oversees the processing of invoices for all benefit programs. Ensures payments are made timely and accurately. Is fully versed in the operation and use of CMU financial systems.
• Administration: Ensures benefit programs are coordinated accurately, timely and efficiently. Provides dedicated customer service support to internal and external customers. Serves as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes
• Unemployment Compensation (UC): Reviews claims, maintains UC database to audit charges and reconcile monthly UC invoices. Works with the Office of General Counsel, HR Managers, and departments on confidential termination agreements that may affect UC.
• Communication: Develops, distributes, and maintains employee benefit communications and materials. Delivers employee presentations, such as new hire orientation.
• Benefits Reporting: Creates and generates benefit plan reports from CMU and vendor systems.
• Open Enrollment: Assists with the execution of annual Open Enrollment from inception to end including system testing, preparation of communication materials, employee counseling, and year-end enrollment activities. Assists with the planning and coordination of Benefits and Fitness Fair held in conjunction with Open Enrollment.
• COBRA Administration: Oversees the COBRA reporting and enrollment processes, annual COBRA Open Enrollment, and ongoing administration of COBRA processes and procedures.
• International Travel: Tracks eligibility, and utilization, and provides travel documentation to employees.
• Systems testing: Participates in ongoing benefits and human resources systems testing.
• Special Projects: Works on special projects as needed. Assists with process and system audits. Prepares, submits, and analyzes data from various industry and national benefit surveys. Understand the role of other teams and cross-train duties and responsibilities as needed. Attends required meetings and participates in various seminars and training classes to maintain and update skills and knowledge as needed. Keeps current on related legal and regulatory issues affecting benefits.
• Compliance: Leads compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA and federal and state regulations, including compliance responsibilities for process documentation and controls.
• Audit/Reconciliation: Audits the accuracy and performance of functions performed by other team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Office of Human Resources. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work as a team and independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 1-3 years related experience
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) a plus

Requirements:

• Successful Background check

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA
• Work Posture: This position is currently operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days a week, 2 days remote (within the Greater Pittsburgh region).
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. The university will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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