University of Chicago · 21 hours ago
Benefits Specialist
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$29.75/hr - $31.75/hr
5+ years expThe University of Chicago offers a wide variety of benefits programs and resources to its employees. This role provides specialized business support for the development, implementation, and administration of cost-effective benefits programs such as pension plans and life, health, and disability insurance.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Under general supervision, administers the University’s Health and Welfare, and Retirement benefits
Counsels staff, faculty, retirees, and their families in their initial plan enrollments, making changes to their benefits during the year (family status changes), during open enrollment, and at retirement/termination of their employment at the University via telephone, e-mail, and one-on-one contact
Reviews, approves, processes/finalizes the enrollment/disenrollment of medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life disability and retirement benefits for active staff, faculty and retirees via Workday, while ensuring they meet specific policies and guidelines
Serves as the primary resource for interpretation of all benefits
Assists with the resolution of health and welfare benefit issues for active staff/faculty, retirees and health plan providers regarding enrollment and coverage matters via e-mail and phone
Interacts with unit administrators regarding employee benefits for new hires and current employees
May manage and/or administer one or more designated benefit plans
Conducts benefit presentations for employees and new hires, and additional projects as needed per the Director of Benefits and Benefits Manager
Provides specialized business support for the development, implementation and administration of cost-effective benefits programs such as pension plans and life, health and disability insurance
Supports staff, faculty, retirees, and their families in their plan enrollments, making changes to their benefits during the year (especially during open enrollment), and at termination of their employment at the University via telephone, e-mail, and one-on-one contact
Following established policies and procedures, administers employee benefits programs. Assists employees with benefit questions and problems. Assists in the maintenance of benefits records and documents
Has limited knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to a specific subject area
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree)
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
References Contact Information (2) (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field
Benefits, human resources, or business related experience
Background in a variety of benefits services, such as health and welfare, medical, and retirement
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office
Maintain broad-based knowledge of all benefit plans offered by the University
Work in a high call and email volume environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Distinguished presentation skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Superb customer service skills
Accomplished analytical skills
Work independently and as part of a team
Maintain confidentiality
Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines
Effectively communicate information that may not be well received
Research, analyze and present data and recommendations in an organized and logical manner
Outstanding level of confidentiality, judgment, discretion and diplomacy while working with various individuals at all levels of the organization
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago 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
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
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