Davidson College · 3 weeks ago
Assistant Director of Human Resources, Benefits
Davidson College is seeking an Assistant Director of Human Resources – Benefits to oversee the strategic administration and compliance of employee benefits programs. The role involves managing benefit offerings, vendor partnerships, and ensuring regulatory compliance while providing exceptional customer service to employees.
EdTechEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Partner with benefit consultants to provide strategic direction and long-term planning for the College’s benefits programs to ensure alignment with institutional goals, employees needs and financial sustainability
Monitor emerging trends, legislative changes, and best practices in employee benefits to proactively recommend program enhancements or policy adjustments
Collaborate with the CHRO and Director of Total Rewards and Compensation to help evaluate and evolve the benefits strategy as part of the overall Total Rewards philosophy
Lead the annual open enrollment process from planning through execution, ensuring timelines, compliance, and employee satisfaction
Communicate plan options and any benefit changes clearly and effectively to employees, leveraging multiple communication platforms
Create and distribute user-friendly educational materials, presentations, and FAQs to enhance employee understanding and engagement
Oversee accurate processing, reconciliation, and timely payment of all benefit vendor invoices
Manage bi-weekly submission of retirement plan eligibility and contribution data
Act as the primary liaison with benefit vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring service quality, data integrity, and strong collaborative partnerships
Collaborate with external benefit consultants regarding our service agreements, rates, and renewals in alignment with institutional goals and budget considerations
Benchmark benefit plans against industry standards and peer institutions; recommend enhancements to ensure competitiveness and value
Administer benefits changes for qualifying life events, ensuring compliance with plan documents and federal/state regulations
Provide compassionate and responsive guidance to employees navigating life changes
Manage all employee leave programs (FMLA, short-term disability, state-specific leaves), ensuring policy compliance and seamless coordination with managers
Maintain accurate and confidential records; generate reports on leave trends and utilization
Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by coordinating the interactive process and implementing reasonable accommodations
Manage workers' compensation claims in collaboration with external carriers; support employees throughout recovery and return-to-work efforts
Maintain compliance documentation and communication in a sensitive, confidential, and employee-centered manner
Oversee the administration of 403(b) and other retirement programs, including phased retirement options and retiree medical coverage
Provide pre- and post-retirement guidance to employees; determine retiree eligibility in alignment with the college’s policy
Ensure full compliance with ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations; support annual 403(b) audit preparation and non-discrimination testing for 403(b) and FSA plans
Ensure all benefit programs comply with applicable federal and state laws including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and others
Maintain accurate, organized, and secure benefits documentation and policies
Conduct periodic internal audits of benefits records and processes to ensure accuracy and readiness for external audits
Design and deliver employee education sessions and benefit orientations; support the ongoing development of benefit resources and training materials
Lead and organize wellness initiatives and health-related campus events (e.g., flu clinics, mammogram bus, wellness fairs)
Serve as a key member and staff liaison for the Retirement Committee
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding health, wellness, retirement, and other benefit programs
Provide timely and accurate responses to questions about eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims, and plan changes
Resolve complex benefits issues with empathy and discretion, working closely with employees, vendors, and HR partners
Ensure a high level of employee satisfaction by delivering consistent, professional, and confidential support
Collaborate with the Director of Compensation and Total Rewards on the development and distribution of Total Compensation Statements
Support the annual merit increase process with data validation and communications related to benefit impact
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration, with strong emphasis on compliance and customer service required
Strong customer service mindset with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately to employees at all levels
Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and Excel; experience with benefits data analysis and reporting
Preferred
Preferred area of study in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field
Comprehensive understanding of federal/state benefits laws and regulations (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, ADA) preferred
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple benefit programs with a focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and service excellence strongly preferred
Relevant certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR) strongly preferred
Company
Davidson College
Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college committed to access and equal opportunity.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$5M2018-02-28Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Recent News
2025-08-05
2025-07-02
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