Benefits Manager (Contract)

Location: San Antonio, TX (Onsite Required)

Duration: 6 Months

A respected higher education organization is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager for a six-month contract assignment. This individual will oversee the administration and continuous improvement of a comprehensive employee benefits program while partnering closely with Human Resources, leadership, vendors, and employees to deliver an exceptional benefits experience.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role requiring strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, compliance, vendor management, and HRIS systems.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration & Strategy

• Administer a comprehensive employee benefits program including medical, dental, vision, prescription, retirement, FSA/HSA, life insurance, disability, employee assistance programs, tuition benefits, and leave administration.
• Support benefits strategy through plan analysis, recommendations, and continuous program evaluation.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning, implementation, employee communications, and enrollment activities.
• Partner with brokers and benefit vendors to evaluate plan performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and recommend enhancements.
• Review and reconcile benefit invoices and premium payments to ensure accuracy.

Employee Communications

• Develop and maintain employee benefit communications and educational materials.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations, open enrollment meetings, and employee education sessions.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, life events, and retirement programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and issue resolution.

Benefits Operations & HRIS

• Administer benefits through the organization's HRIS platform.
• Maintain benefit system configurations, eligibility rules, and vendor file feeds.
• Test and validate system updates and enhancements.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend workflow improvements to increase efficiency and improve the employee experience.
• Produce reports and analyze benefits data to support decision-making.

Compliance & Vendor Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits.
• Support ACA reporting and related compliance activities.
• Coordinate required benefits testing and reporting.
• Maintain plan documents, policies, and compliance records.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and benefit providers.

Wellness Programs

• Coordinate employee wellness initiatives and annual wellness programming.
• Plan and facilitate wellness events, educational sessions, and employee engagement activities.
• Monitor participation and evaluate program effectiveness.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

5+ years of progressive employee benefits administration experience.

Strong knowledge of health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave administration, and benefits compliance.

Experience managing annual open enrollment and employee communications.

Experience working with HRIS systems; Workday experience strongly preferred.

Working knowledge of ACA reporting, FSA/HSA administration, and employee benefits regulations.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work onsite in San Antonio, TX is required.