Benefits Manager

Human Resources (HR) is hiring a Benefits Manager to be responsible for the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs at Hennepin County. This role ensures that benefits offerings support organizational goals, promote equity, comply with statutory requirements, and contribute to a positive employee experience. The Benefits Manager works closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to manage programs in a fiscally responsible manner.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a$500referral bonus. For more information visit theemployee referral programpage.

Location and hours:

This position is hybrid and work will be performed on-site at least two to three days per week at 625 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55487, other county locations, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, with typical hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About the position type:
This position is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as a Human Resources Manager. Clickhere to view the job classification specification.

Note:You must attach a resume as part of your application materials to be considered for this position.

In this position, you will:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to strategic and operational excellence in the administration of Hennepin County’s benefits plans.
• Supervise and provide oversight, planning, training, coaching, and performance evaluation for the Total Rewards teams including the Leave and Accommodation Management (LAM), Health & Wellness, Deferred Compensation, and Benefits Operations teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate administration of all aspects of Hennepin County’s benefits plans, including but not limited to self-insured medical, dental, life, disability, and the wellness program.
• Review and evaluate benefits strategy and programs to ensure alignment with county and HR department strategies and goals and recommend enhancements to the CHRO annually.
• Provide recommendations, support, education, and information during union negotiations and labor-management processes as a key member of the HR negotiations team and in alignment with the county’s benefits strategy.
• Develop, maintain, and interpret Hennepin County benefits policies to ensure they are legally compliant with federal and state requirements, aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices, consistently revised, and communicated broadly throughout the organization.
• Oversee the effective administration of employee leave programs ensuring efficient and accurate data collection, tracking, monitoring and reporting.
• Maintain professional and productive relationships with vendors in service of cost effective, responsive and professional service delivery to Hennepin County employees.
• Coordinate and participate in the selection of vendors which includes developing RFPs and evaluating vendors and, negotiating and preparing new contracts, renewals, and service level agreements.
• Oversee the implementation of all aspects of open enrollment for county employees, retirees, and COBRA enrollees.
• Serve as the day-to-day contract manager and vendor contact for all benefits programs.
• Ensure accurate, real-time benefits data collection within the HRIS, ensuring all enrollment changes, eligibility updates, plan information and vendor connections are correctly tracked and reconciled.
• Facilitate the effective use of Hennepin County’s HRIS to monitor benefit usage, generate compliance and audit reports, and support seamless data flow between employees, HR, payroll, and benefit providers.
• Prepare, recommend, monitor, verify, and reconcile the benefits budget.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, human resources administration, business, or public administration (or closely related field) and five or more years of benefits administration experience.
  • Nine or more years of benefits administration experience.

Nice to have:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Three years or more of experience:
  • Administering benefits in a union environment.
  • Supervising and effectively leading a team of professionals.
  • Managing or administering self-insured health plans.
  • Negotiating with and manage vendors effectively.
• Knowledge of:
  • Employee benefits administration, including health, dental, vision, disability, retirement, and wellness programs.
  • Federal, state, and local regulations such as ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and related compliance requirements.
  • HRIS/benefits systems and data reporting practices.
  • Leave administration policies, collective bargaining agreements, and labor management processes.
• Ability to:
  • Explain complex benefit concepts to employees and leaders written and verbally.
  • Manage projects, develop policy policies, and improvement processes.
  • Work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Use data to identify inequities and develop value-added, sustainable, people-centered solutions.
  • Maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.
  • Interpret laws, regulations, and contract language and apply them accurately to benefit programs.

About the department:
The Human Resources department at Hennepin County drives organizational success by attracting and retaining top talent through equitable, innovative, and outcome-focused HR practices. The department delivers strategic and operational excellence by developing value-added policies and programs, fostering a respectful and collaborative workplace, and providing proactive, customer-focused solutions that support employee growth and meet the evolving needs of the organization and its residents.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities togrow. Learn more atThe Bridge (login as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

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This position may have access to systems or other documentation that may contain HIPAA data.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates will be required to complete a background check.

If you have questions, please contact:

Kari Boe-Schmidtz

Kari.Boe-Schmidtz@hennepin.us