The Manager, Benefits & Records is responsible for overseeing key components of employee benefits and workforce data management. This role administers health, dental, pension, retirement, and leave programs; manages employee status changes; and supports onboarding and offboarding processes. The manager ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, maintains accurate HR records, and delivers responsive support to employees throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, the role contributes to HR program development, communications, and coordination to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. The manager supports the HR Director in overseeing the departmental operations and employee service, both in-person and remotely.

Health & Dental Benefits

• Manage health and dental insurance programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, eligibility tracking, and coordination with the State.
• Lead annual open enrollment and special enrollment periods.
• Maintain benefit portals and authorize elections in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Respond to employee inquiries and support claims resolution.
• Conduct internal audits and assist with external audit requests related to health and dental benefits.

Pension & Retirement

• Manage pension and retirement plan administration with the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits.
• Ensure timely enrollment, status updates, and compliance with plan requirements.
• Provide guidance to employees on retirement options and eligibility.
• Prepare and submit required retirement-related reports and documentation.

Leave Benefits

• Administer leave programs including FMLA, FLI, NJFLA, and other statutory and institutional leave policies.
• Maintain accurate records of employee leave benefits, including tracking leave balances, usage, and eligibility in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Ensures transparency, supports workforce planning, and helps prevent disputes related to time off.
• Counsel employees on leave eligibility, procedures, and documentation requirements.

Employee Status Changes

• Manage updates to employee records including employment status, position changes, and personal information.
• In collaboration with the HR Director, oversee HRIS data entry and reporting; ensure data accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Coordinate with Payroll and IT to manage benefit deductions and system updates.

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires and support onboarding processes.
• Manage exit meetings and offboarding documentation; provide quarterly analysis of exit data.
• Ensure smooth transitions for employees entering or leaving the organization.

HR Programs & Departmental Support

• Process ADA accommodation requests and coordinate with medical consultants and supervisors and HR Director.
• Develop and distribute benefits of communications including guides, intranet updates, and educational materials.
• Conduct benefits seminars and provide guidance to managers and employees on all employee benefits programs.
• Research and recommend changes to benefit plans and benefit related employment policies.
• Coordinate RFPs with the Purchasing Department for benefits vendors and evaluate plan design options as needed.
• Provide support for HR department activities and initiatives.
• Recommend policies and procedures related to ensuring alignment with institutional goals, compliance with applicable regulations, and promotion of best practices.
• Coordinate with the HR Director to ensure adequate office coverage, especially during absences or peak periods.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with a focus on human resources and benefits administration.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in human resources, with demonstrated expertise in benefits administration and HRIS system management.
• Experience in higher education or public sector HR preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Requirements: 

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong ability to understand employees and supervisors’ concerns, and help them resolve the issue.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and professionalism when assisting employees facing medical challenges.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to benefits, leave, and retirement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., Colleague, Workday, Banner).
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Must be able to conduct internal auditing of procedures, processes, and HRIS transactions.
• Must be computer literate with ability to utilize Microsoft Office at an intermediate level and the ability to learn and utilize specific higher education programs and systems.
• Ability to learn and apply office practices, procedures, policies, and regulations that are essential to the position.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Considerations:

• Knowledge of Monmouth County and its communities. 

Summary of Benefits: Administrative

Special Instruction to Applicants: 

A review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled. Submission of application materials by Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, is preferred to ensure full consideration.