Benefits Manager

General Summary: Plan and coordinate benefit packages and related activities for the City of Dubuque. Review and update existing benefit policies and ensure these comply with current legislation. Conduct programs of benefits administration, selection, review, communication, and education; perform other duties as assigned. Success in this role requires strong knowledge of labor legislation and familiarity with organizational psychology and employee engagement. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values problem solving and partnership development; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: The employee in this position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer, and work is performed under general supervision. Work is reviewed by the Director through reports, conferences, and results achieved.Job Duties: 

• Administer, oversee, and continuously evaluate the City's comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, leave, voluntary, and other benefit offerings.
• Develop, recommend, implement, and revise benefit programs, policies, procedures, and administrative practices to ensure operational efficiency, legal compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyze market trends, benchmark benefit programs against comparable employers, and recommend enhancements that support employee recruitment, retention, engagement, and fiscal responsibility.
• Serve as the primary liaison with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, brokers, consultants, and vendors; negotiate contracts, resolve service issues, and monitor vendor performance.
• Manage annual benefit renewals, enrollment processes, open enrollment communications, and employee education initiatives.
• Interpret and administer federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employee benefits, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA (as applicable), IRS regulations, Medicare reporting, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure organizational compliance by maintaining required documentation, preparing regulatory filings, coordinating audits, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop and administer benefit-related budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze financial trends, and prepare financial forecasts and reports.
• Prepare, analyze, and present operational, financial, utilization, and compliance reports for executive leadership.
• Research emerging trends and best practices in employee benefits, wellness, leave administration, and total rewards to support continuous program improvement.
• Develop and implement employee wellness, health promotion, and engagement initiatives designed to improve employee well-being and organizational outcomes.
• Advise executive leadership, department directors, supervisors, and employees regarding benefit eligibility, program interpretation, policy application, and complex benefit issues.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Risk Management, and external partners to ensure accurate administration of employee benefits and leave programs.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve complex employee benefit issues, appeals, eligibility determinations, and claims escalated by employees or vendors.
• Develop employee communications, presentations, educational materials, and informational resources regarding benefit programs and organizational initiatives.
• Evaluate employee satisfaction with benefit programs through surveys, utilization analysis, and other assessment tools; recommend improvements based on findings.
• Analyze organizational and workforce data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and support strategic decision-making.
• Develop, recommend, and implement organizational procedures and administrative processes related to benefits administration and employee services.
• Coordinate required reporting and communications with federal, state, and local governmental agencies.
• Oversee benefit eligibility determinations, enrollment processing, life event changes, and related documentation.
• Train Human Resources staff, supervisors, and employees on benefit programs, compliance requirements, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Continuously maintain professional knowledge through participation in training, professional organizations, conferences, and review of changes in laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Participate on committees, cross-functional teams, and organizational initiatives to support strategic Human Resources objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Personnel and Human Resources – Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of employee benefits administration, total rewards, leave administration, employee wellness programs, retirement plans, HRIS systems, and human resources policies and procedures.
• Administration and Management – Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, project management, business process improvement, resource allocation, budgeting, performance management, and leadership principles.
• Benefits and Insurance Administration – Knowledge of group health insurance, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, retirement plans, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, Medicare reporting, and applicable federal and state benefit regulations.
• Vendor and Contract Management – Knowledge of contract administration, procurement principles, vendor negotiations, service level agreements, and performance evaluation of third-party administrators and insurance providers.
• Law and Government – Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, benefit regulations, legal requirements, government regulations, agency rules, and applicable collective bargaining provisions.
• Economics, Budgeting, and Accounting – Knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, benefit funding, cost analysis, forecasting, and fiscal management.
• Data Analysis and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) – Knowledge of HRIS, payroll systems, benefit administration software, database management, reporting tools, and data analytics. Ability to analyze trends, develop metrics, and prepare statistical and financial reports.
• Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and practices for delivering responsive, confidential, and professional customer service to employees, retirees, elected officials, vendors, and the public.
• Communication – Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex benefit information clearly to diverse audiences through presentations, reports, correspondence, and training.
• Critical Thinking – Ability to evaluate complex information, identify risks, analyze alternatives, and develop practical solutions.
• Active Listening – Ability to effectively listen, ask clarifying questions, understand employee concerns, and respond appropriately.
• Complex Problem Solving – Ability to identify operational, financial, compliance, and employee relations issues and develop sound recommendations.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, prioritize competing demands, and make decisions consistent with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to analyze benefit utilization, claims experience, market data, workforce trends, and financial information to support strategic recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field; and
• Five years or more of related work experience in a mid- to high-level benefits or similar HR role.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• PHR or SPHR certification
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or related field
• Supervisory experience
• SHRM-CP certification
• Experience working in a human resources office within a government organization
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or similar designation

Residency Requirement: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA Status: Exempt