Oklahoma City University · 2 days ago
Benefits and Compensation Specialist
Oklahoma City, OK
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
4+ years expOklahoma City University is seeking a Benefits and Compensation Specialist who will serve as the primary benefits touchpoint for approximately 500 university employees. This role involves managing all employee benefit programs and providing analytical support for compensation activities, while collaborating with the CHRO on strategic initiatives.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Administers comprehensive employee benefits programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, tax-advantaged accounts, retirement, and tuition remission in collaboration with plan carriers, vendors, administrators, and the university’s employee benefits consultant/broker
Manages day-to-day carrier, vendor, administrator, and broker relationships; documents performance issues and collaborates with CHRO on resolution strategies
Participates in vendor selection and renewal processes with CHRO, CFO, and benefits committee
Processes employee benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in Banner HRIS in coordination with Senior Payroll Coordinator
Leads annual open enrollment process including communication strategy, employee education, system configuration, and enrollment reconciliation
Administers continuation insurance coverage for terminated employees and eligible retirees
Coordinates disability insurance claims and serves as liaison between employees and insurance carrier; coordinators life insurance claims for employees and retirees serving as a liaison between the employee’s beneficiaries and carrier
Manages leave-related benefits including benefits continuation during FMLA and disability leave
Ensures compliance with ACA, HIPAA, Section 125, and church plan requirements
Provides individual benefits counseling to new employees, faculty candidates, and current staff as needed
Develops benefits communication materials and presents benefits information at new employee orientation
Collaborates with CHRO and CFO on benefits budget development and monitors monthly expenditures
Works closely with the Senior Payroll and Systems coordinator to reconcile benefit invoices with enrollment and payroll deductions
Serves as primary staff lead for university wellness program and wellness committee
Plans, implements, and evaluates comprehensive wellness initiatives focused on employee health and well-being
Coordinates wellness events, health screenings, fitness challenges, and educational programs throughout the year
Manages wellness vendor relationships and program budget
Collaborates with wellness committee to develop annual wellness calendar and strategic priorities
Tracks wellness program participation and outcomes; analyzes data to measure program effectiveness
Develops wellness communications and promotional materials to drive employee engagement
Researches wellness best practices and emerging trends in workplace wellness
Identifies opportunities to integrate wellness initiatives with health plan design and benefits strategy
Presents wellness program results and recommendations to CHRO, benefits committee, and university leadership
Completes required salary surveys (IPEDS, CUPA-HR, AAUP, etc) to meet federal reporting requirements and institutional survey needs
Participates in position reclassification process by conducting job analysis, researching comparable positions, and preparing recommendations for CHRO review
Conducts FLSA classification reviews and recommends exempt/non-exempt status to CHRO
Generates compensation reports from Banner HRIS including salary distributions and position data
Maintains compensation data in Banner compensation module in coordination with Senior Payroll Coordinator
Reviews salary offers prepared by Talent Acquisition Manager for internal equity and classification consistency
Provides analytical support for CHRO compensation decisions
Monitors legislative and regulatory changes including issues affecting church plans and higher education benefits
Maintains required plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and administrative documentation
Coordinates with Senior Payroll Coordinator on Banner benefits module management and reporting
Serves as backup to Risk Manager for workers' compensation reporting and claims process
Maintains current knowledge of benefits, wellness, and compensation laws and best practices through continuing education
Develops and maintains written procedures for benefits and compensation functions
Represents HR department on campus committees related to benefits, compensation, and wellness
Provides training to HR staff, supervisors, and employees on benefits topics
Provides documentation to HR Coordinator for personnel file maintenance
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Minimum 4 years of progressive human resources experience with demonstrated strength in benefits administration, compensation, wellness programs, or a combination thereof
Solid understanding of employee benefits programs and administration (may have been in support role but shows progression)
Working knowledge of benefits compliance requirements (ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125)
Experience with HRIS/ERP systems and proficient in Excel
Customer service orientation and ability to explain benefits to employees
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Experience may include: Benefits Administrator, HR Generalist with benefits focus, Compensation Analyst, Wellness Coordinator, or similar roles
Roles demonstrating increasing responsibility in HR functions
Mix of benefits, compensation, and/or wellness experience that totals 4+ years
Knowledge of employee benefits laws and regulations
Strong analytical skills with Excel proficiency (pivot tables, vlookups, formulas, data analysis)
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to analyze complex benefits situations
Superior communication skills with ability to explain technical benefits concepts to diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and peak workload periods
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in compliance-oriented environment
Customer service orientation with ability to counsel employees with empathy
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with vendors, brokers, employees, and leadership
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Banner or similar HRIS
Knowledge of wellness program best practices and employee health promotion strategies
Preferred
Higher education environment experience
Church plan benefits administration experience
TIAA or defined contribution retirement plan experience
Wellness program management or health promotion experience
Experience supporting compensation administration activities
Benefits
Health Insurance
Retirement plans
Wellness initiatives
Leave-related benefits
Life insurance
Disability
Tax-advantaged accounts
Tuition remission
Company
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University is a school in Oklahoma City.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.05MKey Investors
Noble Research Institute
2024-12-16Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Gerry Hunt
Chief Information Officer
Recent News
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