Summary

Within the Division of Human Resources, manages and administers university benefits programs, which may include health, life, disability, retirement processing, education benefits, retirement plans, and absence management. Provides operational and strategic oversight of benefits initiatives, vendor relationships, communications, and compliance activities to ensure program's support the University's mission, values, and objectives. Ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and quality standards related to university benefits. Leads benefits related projects, operational improvements, quality control of related ERP systems, records managements, and customer service initiatives. Serves as a subject matter expert on benefit programs, researching and resolving complex issues and ensuring timely response to employee or constituent inquires. Participates in departmental planning related to benefit strategy and program design.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Administers and manages university benefit programs, which may include health, life, disability, retirement processing, education benefits, retirement plans, and absence management.
2. Develops, implements, and evaluates benefits policies, procedures, and communications to ensure effective program delivery.
3. Designs, implements, and evaluates programs, services, and initiatives that are responsive to the needs, goals, and objectives of the university, to include strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures.
4. Ensures compliance with University policies and all applicable state and federal benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
5. Identify and evaluate process improvement opportunities related to benefits administration and service delivery.
6. Maintains accurate benefits records, reporting, and documentation; analyzes benefits data and trends to support decision-making.
7. Provides expert and strategic guidance regarding HR Benefits practices, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.
8. Directs and oversees the supervision of personnel supporting benefits administration, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
9. Assists in benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
10. Represents the organization at with benefits vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Advanced knowledge of employee benefits programs and applicable laws and regulations.
• Strategic planning skills related to benefits designs and administration and the ability to apply strategic concepts in the development of successful solutions.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• Strong spread sheeting, data management, and reporting skills.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of all State and Federal laws and regulations applicable to area of oversight.
• Experience with HRIS/benefits administration systems and vendor platforms.
• Program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills.
• Skill in examining and evaluating operations and developing and/or re-engineering operating strategies, systems, and procedures.
• Demonstrated organizational and management skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and electronic communication skills.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/02/2026