Benefits Specialist
Pay Range: $55,000 – $60,000 per year
The pay range listed reflects the anticipated base compensation for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, education, and internal equity.
Benefits Eligibility: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits
Position Summary
The Benefits Specialist provides support to the Benefits Manager and employees regarding the administration of University benefit programs by ensuring that employees can enroll for all benefit options (health, retirement, etc.), assisting employees in understanding how their benefits work, and auditing payroll deduction accuracy. This position will respond to employee benefits inquiries, provide administrative / data entry support, ensure that employees receive accurate benefit-related information, and coordinate with benefits vendors as needed. This position will also provide general administrative and data entry support for Human Resources as needed and assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Maintain the accuracy of employee benefit deductions in the University’s payroll system and other third-party systems (retirement plan system, benefit portal, etc.).
- Partner with the HRIS Analyst to audit benefits changes for each payroll, ensure accuracy of service dates for eligibility purposes, troubleshoot systems issues, and maintain compliance with IRS maximum contribution limits.
- Conduct new employee benefit orientations for faculty and staff employees, assist employees with benefits enrollment, and hold confidential benefits consultations with employees.
- Administer salary deferral changes, distribution/withdrawal requests, match eligibility change notifications, and other relevant tasks for managing retirement benefits; provide retirement resource information including vendor campus visits and enrollment instructions to employees.
- Coordinate with the Benefits Manager and vendors (i.e. carriers, recordkeepers, and consultants) to research and resolve employee inquiries in a timely/confidential manner and support the Benefits Manager with compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with the Financial Aid Department to communicate eligibility for tuition benefits and provide details about tuition programs to employees.
- Process funding for bi-weekly and monthly tax-advantaged savings accounts and retirement plan contributions and submit invoices for all benefits carriers/vendors.
- Execute procedures to manage leave of absence, accommodation, and workers compensation requests/claims in partnership with the Benefits Manager and HR Business Partners.
- Assist in project implementation as needed to increase productivity of HR processes.
- Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
- Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
- Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
- Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
- Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of two (2) year of prior experience working in employee benefits and/or payroll.
- Proficiency in use of Microsoft Excel required.
- Experience using HRIS/Payroll systems required.
- Ability to accurately complete basic mathematical computations required.
- Proficiency in general computer applications and delivering presentations preferred.
Education
- High school diploma required.
- Licenses/Certifications/Credentials
- "Society of Human Resources – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)" desired
Preferred Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following:
- Accountability & Dependability – Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.
- Attention to Detail – Remains aware and takes care of details that are easy to overlook or dismiss as insignificant. Accuracy in data entry.
- Attitude - Displays a positive attitude about the work to be done, co-workers, customers, management, and UIndy policies. Customer-service focused with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Communication – Presents information clearly, concisely, and logically. Focuses on key points. Addresses issues in an open, constructive, and professional manner. Must be comfortable meeting and speaking with new and existing employees on a regular basis. Grammatically correct written and verbal skills.
- Decision Making & Judgment – Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.
- Confidentiality & Integrity – Respects and maintains confidentiality. Tells the truth and is honest in all dealings.
- Time Management – Manages workload to ensure assignments are completed by their respective deadlines. Works successfully in a fast-paced environment. Well-organized and flexible.
Skills Required
- At least two years of prior experience working in employee benefits and/or payroll
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Experience using HRIS or payroll systems
- Ability to accurately complete basic mathematical computations
- High school diploma
- Proficiency in general computer applications and delivering presentations
- SHRM-CP or Certified Benefits Professional certification
What We Do
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a private technology-focused university in Chicago that provides hands-on learning and diverse academic programs. Its mission is to help students from all backgrounds prepare for meaningful roles in a changing society. The institution combines education, discovery, creation, and problem-solving, with a particular emphasis on technology and career preparation through innovative, experiential opportunities.
