Director of HR Benefits and Operations

Title
Director of HR Benefits and Operations

Department
Human Resources

Regular or Temporary
Regular

Hours Per Week
40

FLSA Determination
Exempt

Weeks Per Year

52

Open Date
10/18/2024

Full or Part Time
Full Time

Position Summary

Trinity College seeks a staff that reflects the changing demographics of our student body. Our student body is diverse, representing forty-one states and seventy countries, with 21 percent U.S. students of color and 50 percent who identify as women. More than 90 percent of students live on campus. Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students and ninety-one graduate students, the college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant and diverse co-curricular program. We consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity’s most distinctive assets, and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.

The Director of HR Benefits and Operations plays a critical role in managing and leading a comprehensive range of benefits programs. This position supervises one Benefits Coordinator. Key responsibilities include: Manage, innovate, and ensure that Trinity’s benefits strategy and policies effectively meet the needs of the college’s diverse population; are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations; and that operational practices are effective, accurate, and timely. maintaining and enhancing vendor relationships, staying abreast of evolving benefit offerings, state and federal law changes, managing complex system workflows, and ensuring rigorous technical procedures for report and data auditing. Additionally, this leadership position is tasked with the meticulous maintenance of the resource database, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times. This role is pivotal in supporting the overall HR strategy and enhancing the employee experience across the campus.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversight and execution of communication with benefit vendors, cabinet members, and the campus community on Benefit plan changes and enhancements.
• Collaborate with IT, Payroll and 3rd party benefit vendors and ensure accurate and timely transfer (or manual entry) of benefits data, including enrollment/change information, payroll data, etc.
• Investigate and resolve escalated benefit related issues (compliance and individual employee).
• Ensure accurate and timely compliance with governing statutes, regulations, audits, and internal policies and practices. Responsible for planning and accurate/timely completion of all compliance testing and audit requirements (Section 125, ACA, 403(b), 457, etc.
• Manage or contribute to other organizational or human resources projects that reflect evolving enterprise needs; and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Supervise at least one staff member in day-to-day benefit operations of the department.
• Responsible for management and execution of annual benefit plan renewals, Open Enrollment, and maintenance of benefit processes. This includes education and communication of system update needs to internal IT and payroll partners, and 3rd party partners and vendors.
• Maintenance, innovation, and enhancement of HR technology systems, including HRIS, SharePoint, One Drive, and vendor systems, to meet ongoing benefits enrollment and compliance needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-8 years’ experience in benefits administration
• At least 1 year of prior supervisory experience
• Experience working in complex ERP systems; Oracle experience preferred
• PHR Certification preferred
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with employee benefits operations, regulatory and compliance requirements (Sec. 125, ACA, 403(b),457, executive compensation), and federal and state employment laws/regulations
• Experience collaborating with external vendors and internal partners to streamline and maintain accurate and timely results and data
• Success compiling, analyzing and presenting data to communicate program effectiveness and workforce needs
• Ability to operate strategically and tactically as organizational needs require, and to ensure the effective administration of employee benefits and proactively contribute to HR team goals
• Proven commitment to a work approach that encompasses inclusiveness, diversity, and collaboration

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants must apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter and three references.

Quick Link
https://trincoll.peopleadmin.com/postings/3421

Trinity College is an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts college for men and women, with approximately 2,200 undergraduate students and 200 faculty members, located in Hartford, Connecticut. Our Mission is “Engage. Connect. Transform.” As the preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives. Trinity is an actively engaged community of students, faculty and staff who work together to develop and sustain the intellectual and creative opportunities central to a first-class liberal arts education. Hartford, the state capital, provides many opportunities for cultural and social engagement.

The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. Trinity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation in order to participate in the application process.

For all faculty positions, completion of the Ph.D. or appropriate equivalent is expected. Candidates should have a strong commitment to undergraduate and interdisciplinary teaching in a liberal arts context, and a well-articulated plan for sustained research. Trinity is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service.