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If you are an experienced Human Resources professional with an appreciation for the arts and education, Academy of Art University invites you to apply for our Human Resources Benefits Manager position. The Benefits Manager serves as the University’s subject matter expert for employee health and welfare benefits and 401(k) plans, managing programs for both California and out-of-state employees. This role partners closely with the University’s benefits broker, Finance, Payroll, and HRIS teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with the University’s goals. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, is solutions-oriented, and has the ability to identify opportunities while aligning partnerships with organizational objectives. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of benefits programs and provides leadership to HR staff in delivering high-quality employee support.
This is a fully remote role, candidates must be able to work 8am to 5pm (PST).
Key Responsibilities:
Act as subject matter expert for ACA, San Francisco Healthcare Security Ordinance, and University procedures.
Oversee compliance activities, including IRS 5500 reporting, 401(k) plan audits, non-discrimination testing, ACA reporting, and Medicare Part D notices.
Manage all 401(k) plan operations: enrollments, loans, distributions, and vendor partnerships.
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, contributions, and repayments.
Conduct monthly enrollment reconciliations across medical, dental, vision, life, COBRA, FSAs, and other plans.
Review, approve, and coordinate timely payment of benefit plan billing.
Lead annual Open Enrollment, including planning, system configuration, employee communications, and vendor integrations.
Maintain benefit plan documents, employee notices, and regulatory filings.
Recommend and implement process improvements and benefit strategies aligned with the University’s mission.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred.
Experience managing a benefits program, including budget responsibility, in a for-profit organization.
Strong computer skills, including HRIS (Workday strongly preferred) and advanced Excel is a must.
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills.
Strong attention to detail with proven auditing and compliance experience.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to work across all organizational levels.
Track record of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and federal/state regulations (HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, 401(k), Section 125).
Customer service mindset with strong problem-solving and partnership skills.
Ability to work independently and adapt to changing business needs in a remote environment.
Work Schedule:
Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST
Compensation:
$75,000 - $85,000 depending on location and experience
Benefits:
Academy of Art University offers full-time employees health insurance, 401k options, paid vacation based on years of service (15 days' accrual at start), paid holidays, paid sick leave and a commuter benefit program. The Academy also offers full-time employees an opportunity to take one undergraduate course tuition free each semester.
Application Deadline:
September14, 2026
Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Experience managing a benefits program, including budget responsibility, in a for-profit organization
- Strong computer skills and HRIS experience
- Workday experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills
- Strong attention to detail and auditing and compliance experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills across organizational levels
- Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Knowledge of benefit plan design and federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, 401(k), and Section 125
- Customer service, problem-solving, and partnership skills
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing business needs in a remote environment
What We Do
Academy of Art University, established in 1929, is a private for-profit art school that transforms aspiring students into professional artists and designers through hands-on education.
