Benefits Specialist

About the role

The Employee Benefits Specialist serves as an employee advocate, providing guidance and support to employees across the full benefits lifecycle-from hire through separation. This role administers and supports all University benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, education, leave of absence, and wellness initiatives.

This position partners with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure accurate administration, compliance, and a high-quality employee experience. Responsibilities scale from foundational support (Tier I) to subject matter expertise and strategic leadership (Tier III). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Administer and communicate employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSAs, retirement plans, education, leave, and wellness. 2. Conduct benefits orientations and educate employees on offerings and systems. 3. Assist employees with benefit elections, claims, and life events. 4. Partner with vendors and carriers to resolve issues. 5. Maintain HRIS benefits data and ensure accuracy. 6.

Verify premium deductions and support reconciliations. 7. Support COBRA administration and vendor coordination. 8. Assist with compliance, audits, and reporting. 9. Support open enrollment planning and execution. 10. Develop employee communications and educational materials. 11.

Adhere to Liberty University policies and mission TIERED RESPONSIBILITIES Tier II - Benefits Specialist II Independently administer assigned benefit programs. Resolve moderately complex issues with employees and vendors. Serve as primary contact for benefits inquiries. Co-lead open enrollment execution. Assist with compliance and audits. Mentor entry-level staff.

Tier III - Senior Benefits Specialist Serve as SME for multiple benefit programs. Lead open enrollment strategy and execution. Manage vendor relationships and escalations. Lead audits and compliance activities. Analyze trends and provide strategic recommendations. Lead projects and mentor team members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience Tier II 2+ years of benefits experience required; Bachelor's degree required. Tier III 5-8+ years of progressive benefits experience; demonstrated leadership and project experience. Bachelor's degree required. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential preferred.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with focus on Excel and Word Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to speak Spanish preferred ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.

Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates. Strong organizational skills. Computer and scheduling skills.

Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Physical and Sensory Abilities Required to travel to local and campus locations. May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.

Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds. WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.

Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally. Driving Requirements Use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Salary Range: Tier II - $55,000-$65,000 Tier III- $65,000-$80,000 Time Type Full time Location Onsite Pay Range Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions.

Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.

It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law.

Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.