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University of New Haven · 2 months ago

Director Benefits & Compensation

West Haven, CT

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

The University of New Haven is a private, coeducational university recognized for academic excellence. The Director of Benefits & Compensation is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the University’s total rewards programs, ensuring competitive and compliant compensation and benefits administration to attract and retain talent.

E-LearningEducationHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities

Culture & Values

No H1B

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and manage the competitive benefits strategy, policies, and procedures which support the University’s goal of attracting, rewarding, and retaining top talent while applying cost controls

Assess trends and changes in the benefit realm to ensure the University provides affordable and progressive options for its employees. Recommend plan design changes and present rationale to senior leaders, as appropriate

Serve as university liaison with benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators and monitor service level agreements

Oversee annual renewal and enrollment. Evaluate alternative plan designs, funding arrangements, and wellness initiatives to improve outcomes and control costs

Oversee administration of retirement program ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Partner with broker, plan fiduciaries, investment advisors, and recordkeepers on plan performance, audits, and participant education

Supports RFP processes for benefit providers and evaluate new vendor solutions to enhance program value

Provide guidance and support to employees regarding benefit options and claims

Develop and implement staff compensation strategies aligned with university goals, including managing salary structures, annual compensation review cycles, and all associated increases (union and non-union)

Conduct job analyses, market research, and salary benchmarking to ensure competitive pay, when necessary. Monitor compensation trends and recommend adjustments to structures when required

Guide hiring managers on compensation decisions, and policy interpretation

Ensure internal equity and market competitiveness across academic and administrative units

Collaborate with budget and finance offices to align compensation strategies with fiscal planning

Ensure compliance and adherence with applicable legal and regulatory provisions, including IRS, DOL, ERISA, FLSA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA

Coordinate required 5500 and nondiscrimination testing. Comply with and maintain records necessary to support compliance activities for all benefit and retirement/403b activities including internal and external audits as required

Prepare and submit required reports and disclosures

Conduct audits and evaluations of compensation and benefits programs

Manage institutional data systems, Banner, related to HR functions

Supervise HR staff responsible for benefit & HRIS administration

Collaborate with HR colleagues on Total Rewards, Compensation, and Employee Relations strategies to ensure cohesive HR service delivery

Serve on university committees and task forces as needed including participating in union negotiations, when required, with expert benefit related summary information including the costing of proposals

Oversee the creation and delivery of clear, engaging employee communications regarding benefit programs and changes, inclusive of web and wellness strategies

Oversee benefit orientations, programs, wellness initiatives, and outreach activities to enhance employee understanding and participation

Qualification

Benefits AdministrationCompensation StrategiesRegulatory ComplianceHRIS KnowledgeProfessional CertificationAnalytical SkillsVendor ManagementCommunication SkillsNegotiation SkillsOrganizational Skills

Required

BS/BA in Business, HR Management or Finance and 7 or more years of experience in HR required

Benefit background with solid understanding of benefit plan design, administration, compliance, reporting, and communication

Ability to review trends and make appropriate recommendations for changes in health & welfare plan design and administration required

Previous experience managing compensation programs required; higher education environment preferred

Strong verbal, written, analytical, and organizational skills required

Expert HRIS knowledge required

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail with the ability to reason through data and make good judgments in applying information

Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and vendor management skills

Familiarity with state and federal government legislation and regulations related to benefits

Preferred

Graduate degree preferred

Professional certification such as a Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), or Total Rewards Professional (TRP) is strongly preferred

Banner experience preferred

Benefits

Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.

Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program

Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities

Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities

Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable