University of Rhode Island · 2 weeks ago
Specialist, Employee Benefits (Retirement)
Kingston, RI
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$65K/yr - $70K/yr
3+ years expThe University of Rhode Island is the State’s flagship public research university, and they are seeking a Specialist in Employee Benefits (Retirement). This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the 403(b) Retiree Medical plan and assisting with various employee benefits programs, ensuring effective communication and support for employees and retirees.
EducationHealth CareUniversities
Responsibilities
Manage the relationship with vendors, track new plan offerings, and resolve any emergent plan issues
Develop communications, informational materials and workshops/meetings for employees regarding the 403(b) Alternate Retirement Program, as well as the State of Rhode Island Employee Retirement System (ERSRI); Attend Joint Alternate Retirement Plan Committee (JARPC) meetings
Manage the system-wide day-to-day operation of the 403(b) Retiree Medical Retirement plan; develop and maintain the billing system and provider/carrier reconciliation and COBRA systems for eligible employees and retirees, including the database support system for both health and life insurance; consult with information technologists regarding systems plan modifications consistent with both institutional and health care providers’ regulations; maintain all program files and documents; develop regular and customized statistical reports regarding plan activities; communicate with and counsel employees and retirees on plan benefits, options, and modifications, including Social Security and Medicare regulations
Assist with the 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Choice (RC) plan for University employees; counsel employees regarding plan options, regulations, and benefits; process new enrollments, changes, withdrawal/loan requests and retirement actions in conjunction with institutional and plan requirements; as needed, on an annual basis, calculate and communicate all participants’ maximum tax sheltering options and limitations in conformance with University and institutional policy and Internal Revenue Service laws and regulations; provide liaison to plan providers and systems administration
Assist employees in the enrollment process, changes and terminations for eligible additional retirement savings plans, including the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Choice Plus (RCP) plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan; process transactions paperwork and maintain records and database regarding plans; process enrollments, changes and retirement paperwork for employees participating in the State of RI Employee Retirement System (ERS); assist employees dealing with the ERS Office
Assist with the institution’s long term disability plan for eligible employees; counsel employees and process long term disability applications; interpret plan provisions and troubleshoot claims issues with the carrier
Meet individually with new employees enrolling in benefit plans as requested; interpret program options and process paperwork to the State Benefits Office
Participate in the coordination of open enrollment drives for University employees and retirees, including logistic support for providers/carriers’ representatives
Participate in the creation and coordination of wellness programs and initiatives for University employees
Provide support to other functional areas in the department and serve as a backup for other Human Resources department staff on an as needed basis
Maintain a strong working relationship with key University and external entities or offices, including the Controller and Payroll Offices, State Benefits and Office of Personnel Administration, State Controller, ERS, Office of Postsecondary Commissioner, Human Resources Offices at Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island and all plan carriers/providers, employees, retirees, and the public
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible employee benefits experience
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
Strong attention to detail
Strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills
Proficiency with written communication skills
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of employees at various levels of the institution and the general public
Ability to work with diverse groups/populations
Preferred
CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification or completed coursework
Experience using Workday or other HCM technology
Company
University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island is a research and graduate institution offering graduate and undergraduate programs.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Rhode Island has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (33)
2024 (34)
2023 (23)
2022 (26)
2021 (24)
2020 (26)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$71.07MKey Investors
The Champlin FoundationNational Science FoundationRI Life Science Hub
2025-12-02Grant· $0.5M
2025-07-08Grant· $7M
2024-08-08Grant· $0.03M
Leadership Team
David M. Dooley
President
Recent News
Providence Business News
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2025-12-06
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