Senior Benefits Analyst

PAY RANGE:

$78,000 - $86,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Our organization is currently seeking a Senior Benefits Analyst to facilitate the delivery of health, wellness and welfare programs to our employees, including but not limited to medical, dental vision, life insurance, retirement programs, etc. for both Classified and Non-classified (Administrative and Academic Faculty) employees.  In this role, you will ensure we offer competitive yet cost-effective benefit, wellness and welfare programs to our employees. You may also assist employees with the enrollment process, distribute informative materials, or answer specific questions regarding coverage. You will also stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and industry trends, making recommendations on how to update our current programs. Assures compliance with all applicable state and federal regulation.

Compiles, analyzes and reports data including employee data, plan financials for strategic benefits planning and evaluation. Provides benefit plan interpretation, guidance and counsel to employees, ITS and other Mines’ stakeholders, and managers. Presents information to inform and educate management.

Serves as a liaison with service providers in business planning and benefit program interpretation. Compliance and technical interpretive discussions with benefit counsel and enrolled actuary or consultants.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as an alternate trustee on the benefit trust and partners with other trustees (from 6 different Colorado Public High Ed Universities and Colleges to assist in the business development and planning processes with service providers.
• Monitors eligibility, limitations, and restrictions of plan participations and ensures compliance with both plan provisions and government requirements.  Actively stays abreast of changes in both State and Federal legislative changes.
• Responsible for data necessary to complete government compliance activities, both State and Federal activities, including discrimination testing, audits, etc., employee mailings, vendor billings, coordinating data collection and updating numerous reports for management. Assures processes and procedures are in place to capture and maintain consistent and accurate benefit related data. Completes employee data auditing and reporting.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Provides guidance and counsel to employees, ITS/HRIS representatives, and managers on the requirements and provisions of benefit programs and assist with the resolution of potential problems.
• Coordinates the design and communication of annual benefit enrollment materials and benefit statements.
• Drafts legal compliance documentation (SPDs, SARs) and partners with Mines’ General Counsel on interpretation of legislation and finalization.
• Develops, conducts and participates in a variety of presentations to inform and educate management and employees about changes to benefit plans, administrative practices and legislative requirements and programs.
• Prepares bid specifications, analyzes proposals and renewal information and interprets insurance carrier contracts.
• Oversees/directs the administration of COBRA compliance.
• Researches and analyzes current benefit, wellness and welfare trends and regulatory/legislated requirements and recommends programs/changes to stakeholders.
• Compiles, analyzes and reports benefit data including employee, benefit plan and financial for benefit strategic planning and evaluation, best practices and benchmark surveys.
• Administrators the workers' compensation program. Responsible for claims monitoring and administration, report generation, and communication with employees, managers, insurance carriers, medical staff, and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for managing all leaves of absence for employees within the institution, including leaves such as FMLA, ADA, medical disability/STDL, LTD, sick/vacation days, etc.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field with an emphasis such as business or finance, or equivalent years professional/analytical experience related to the above described duties.
• 5+ years of experience serving in a benefit administrator compacity with full and advanced understanding and knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Thorough understanding and application of Equal Employment Opportunity laws including but not limited to ADA, ADEA, EPA, PDA, FLSA, Workplace safety, etc.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs, benefits contract language.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of ERISA, employee benefit programs, including flexible benefit programs, financial analysis and budgeting.
• Requires strong communication skills, good writing skills, strong customer service and analytical skills.
• Ability to analyze a large amount of data, including performing mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums and adjustments, make recommendations and present those to leadership
• Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, experience with HRIS and benefit databases.
• Organizational skills to develop/maintain reporting "standards" where applicable.
• Must be comfortable working independently, in significant ambiguity, and making sound decisions, while solving complex problems.
• Must remain open to change and new information and ideas and adapt to the same.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience serving on a benefit trust is also beneficial.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

ABOUT MINES & GOLDEN, CO: Mines is consistently https://www.mines.edu/about/rankings/" href="https://www.mines.edu/about/rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver.  The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

TOTAL REWARDS: Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings.  Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs.  For more information, visit Mines benefits. HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status) and upload a resume and cover letter (optional). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUIRED: Yes