- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Human Resources (HR) is searching for a Benefits Administrator to join our collaborative and dedicated Benefits team. The Benefits Administrator – Intermediate Professional supports the administration of comprehensive employee and retiree benefit programs at Penn State, with a primary focus on life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), survivor and beneficiary benefits, and retirement plan administration.
The successful candidate will serve as a knowledgeable resource to employees, retirees, beneficiaries, HR partners, University departments, and external benefit vendors. The position is responsible for administering complex and sensitive benefit transactions, researching and resolving eligibility and system issues, coordinating benefit claims and vendor activities, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring benefit information is communicated clearly and accurately.
The position requires a high degree of attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and empathy, particularly when assisting employees, retirees, and family members following a death or other significant life event. The successful candidate will develop subject matter expertise in assigned benefit programs and contribute to the effective and accurate administration of University benefits.
What You’ll Do
- Life Insurance and Beneficiary Administration
- Administration of Death and Survivor Benefits
- Administration of Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Benefits
- Life Insurance and AD&D Billing
- Life Insurance and AD&D Vendor Administration
- Retirement Plan Administration
- General Benefits Administration
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and plan provisions.
- Skilled in researching and resolving problems involving multiple systems, processes, or stakeholders and using sound judgment to determine appropriate solutions.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
- Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Collaborative approach to working with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
- Strong attention to maintaining accurate, organized, and confidential employee benefits records.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- Administering employee benefit programs, particularly life insurance, AD&D, disability, retirement, or other insurance-related benefits.
- Administering life insurance claims, beneficiary designations, survivor benefits, or death-related benefit processes.
- Working with retirement plans, including 403(b) plans or TIAA.
- Working with Workday or another human resources information system.
- Interpreting benefit plan documents and applying eligibility requirements.
- Reconciling benefits data, billing, payroll contributions, or vendor files.
- Working directly with insurance carriers or benefits vendors.
- Providing customer service involving complex or sensitive benefits matters.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations affecting employee benefits.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneWHY PENN STATE?
Penn State’s Benefits team plays an important role in helping employees and retirees understand and access the programs that support their health, financial security, and overall well-being. This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through accurate benefits administration, thoughtful customer service, and collaboration with colleagues across the University.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative team environment where knowledge-sharing, continuous learning, process improvement, and exceptional customer service are valued.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- Associate degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and benefit plan provisions
- Ability to research and resolve problems involving multiple systems, processes, or stakeholders
- Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information
- Strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
- Collaborative approach to working with internal stakeholders and external vendors
- Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and confidential employee benefits records
- Experience administering employee benefit programs, especially life insurance, AD&D, disability, retirement, or insurance-related benefits
- Experience administering life insurance claims, beneficiary designations, survivor benefits, or death-related benefit processes
- Experience working with retirement plans, including 403(b) plans or TIAA
- Experience working with Workday or another human resources information system
- Experience interpreting benefit plan documents and applying eligibility requirements
- Experience reconciling benefits data, billing, payroll contributions, or vendor files
- Experience working directly with insurance carriers or benefits vendors
- Experience providing customer service involving complex or sensitive benefits matters
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations affecting employee benefits
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
