Pepperdine University · 2 weeks ago
Assistant Director, Benefits
Malibu, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$92K/yr - $95K/yr
5+ years expPepperdine University is seeking an Assistant Director, Benefits to lead its Human Resources team in managing employee benefits programs. The role involves overseeing compliance, administration, and strategic decision-making related to benefits, ensuring a high level of service and support for faculty and staff.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive oversight and management of all employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations such as ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, CFRA, PDL, COBRA, and the ACA. This involves working closely with brokers, legal counsel, consultants, and vendors to administer each plan with excellence, including communication of coverage details, distribution of required notices, preparation of required filings, coordinating utilization reviews, managing contract renewal discussions, and maintaining all plan documents. Additionally, the Assistant Director partners closely with other HR workgroups to streamline workflows, enhance service delivery, and maintain data integrity across all HR operations
Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, qualifying life events, billing, and eligibility. Partner closely with external vendors, Information Technology, and the Payroll Office to manage automated file feeds and manual enrollment processes, ensuring all coverage, paycheck deductions, and effective dates are accurate and updated in a timely manner. Lead the annual open enrollment process, ensuring HRIS and third-party administrators accurately support benefits calculations, payroll deductions, and EDI file feeds. Coordinate regular audits and reviews to ensure accuracy and eligibility compliance
Provide white glove service to Pepperdine's faculty and staff at all levels of the University to ensure they are informed and empowered to navigate their benefits choices and ongoing access to care. Produce communication materials, such as website content, community emails, new employee presentations, annual benefits guides, and other ad-hoc materials to clearly communicate coverage options, network limitations, and projected out-of-pocket expenses. Provide consultative guidance to employees to ensure understanding and engagement with all benefits offerings. Serve as a subject matter expert and internal consultant on benefits compliance and policy interpretation
Partner with Human Resources leadership to provide strategic analysis and recommendations to University executives, the Benefits Committee, and the Retirement Plan Committee. Analyze utilization, trends, and benchmarking data to inform program design and cost-containment strategies. Partner with leadership and decision-making bodies to align benefits strategy with workforce needs, compensation philosophy, and institutional priorities
Lead the Benefits team by recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating two employees. Foster accountability, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery while cultivating a collaborative and high-performing work environment
Oversee leaves of absence and workers' compensation programs, ensuring effective administration and compliance with applicable law and University policy. As needed, develop, implement, and manage new or modified benefits offerings, including insurance, retirement, and leave programs
Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators. Maintain proactive, ongoing relationships with insurance carriers and other vendor partners, establishing clear expectations, monitoring service performance, and ensuring that contracts and partnerships align with the University's mission and goals
Perform other duties as assigned
Uphold University mission through work performed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
5+ years of progressive experience in HR or benefits administration, including direct supervisory responsibility
Demonstrated experience managing comprehensive benefits programs, including health, retirement, disability, and voluntary benefits
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a strong customer service orientation and ability to engage effectively with employees at all levels
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration technology
Strong attention to detail, discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Professional demeanor and ability to integrate the University's Christian mission and values into daily work
Preferred
Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
Experience with PeopleSoft and BenefitFocus
Experience with benefits strategy, benchmarking, and implementation of innovative programs in higher education or large organizations
Proven ability to serve as a strategic partner in benefit plan design, vendor negotiations, and program enhancements
Benefits
Robust and highly competitive benefits package
Company
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Pepperdine University 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)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (9)
2022 (9)
2021 (5)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Phil Phillips
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University
Jeff Pippin
Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
Recent News
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