Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

Salary

$84,344.00 - $108,451.20 Annually

Location

City Hall, 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600097

Department

Human Resources

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

We offer a great benefits package including medical, dental, pension program, HSA, and generous time off. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under direction of the Human Resources Director, the Benefits Manager plans, administers, evaluates, and coordinates the City of Racine's comprehensive employee and retiree benefit programs, wellness initiatives, and workplace safety strategies. Operating within a municipal framework, this position ensures full statutory compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while managing key vendor relationships, self-insured plan logistics, third-party administration, and retiree coverage. Serving as a trusted liaison between City employees, insurance carriers, and municipal administration, the Benefits Manager collaborates on the design, implementation, and overall management of citywide employee benefits; including health and dental insurance, long-term disability, group life insurance and wellness.

Essential Duties

Municipal Program Administration & Vendor Oversight

• Direct the administration, evaluation, and delivery of health, dental, vision, life, disability, active/retiree wellness, and statutory retirement programs (including coordination with the Wisconsin Retirement System - WRS).

• Researches, analyzes, administers and evaluates comprehensive employee benefit programs and makes recommendations concerning the design, modification, elimination or development of collectively bargained and non-represented employee benefits.

• Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including vendor contract negotiation, plan configuration, employee/retiree educational outreach, and system audits.

• Manage performance and contract compliance for third-party administrators (TPAs), pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), stop-loss providers, and insurance brokers for the City's self-insured health plans.

• Develop and administer standardized workflows for benefit adjustments resulting from employment separations, qualifying life events, COBRA notices, and retirement transitions.

• Supervise HR Benefits Coordinator and oversee day-to-day department operations regarding health and leave program administration.

• Develops and implements employee benefit communication programs including an employee benefits web-site, paper communications, training programs, and new employee orientations.

Statutory Compliance, Leave & Financial Management

• Ensure City compliance with all federal, state, and local standards, including ACA reporting, ERISA guidelines, HIPAA privacy rules, COBRA, and FMLA/WFMLA leave laws.

• Reviews, approves and monitors all ADA Accomodation requests and family medical leave administration (FMLA) requests.

• Oversees short-term disability claims, workers compensation program integration, and return-to-work fitness-for-duty processes.

• Partner with the Finance Department and HR Leadership to track benefit claims expenditures, analyze utilization trends, and assist with annual municipal budget preparation.

• Coordinate required government filings, non-discrimination evaluations, state reporting, and distribution of summary plan descriptions (SPDs).

• Develops and implements comprehensive written policies and procedures concerning the operation and administration of the workmans compensation program.

• Interacts with elected officials, committees and policy makers regarding changes in the benefit programs; presents recommendations to various boards, committees, commissions; and serves as a representative of the department to professional groups, community agencies and the public.

• Establishes and maintains effective public and working relations with the general public, department heads, City personnel and various governing bodies.

Labor Relations & Employee Support

• Serve as the primary escalation point for employees, retirees, and dependents in resolving complex benefit claims, coverage disputes, and administrative appeals.
• Support labor negotiations and collective bargaining processes by providing cost analysis, plan option comparisons, and benefit impact statements for represented employee groups.
• Administer comprehensive benefit orientation programs for new hires and coordinate pre-retirement counseling for eligible staff.
• Design and champion municipal wellness initiatives to encourage health risk awareness, reduce long-term claims costs, and support overall employee well-being.

Associated Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Maintains a consistent and reliable attendance record.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of group medical, dental, and life insurance contracts, claims processing, and benefits administration.
• Ability to research and resolve complex benefits issues and interpret insurance contracts, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of employee benefit programs, including plan design, administration, and industry practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting employee benefits.
• Knowledge of human resources, business administration, insurance management, contract law, and insurance underwriting principles.
• Ability to interpret and apply City policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements related to employee and retiree benefits.
• Ability to administer, evaluate, and recommend changes to employee benefit programs and plans.
• Ability to research and analyze complex information, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare and present reports.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and benefits administration software.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments and projects effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and present information to individuals, boards, and committees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive professional experience in benefits administration and HR operations, including experience in self-insured health plans, workers compensation, or public-sector leave administration.
• Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of municipal HRIS and ERP systems (e.g., Tyler Munis, ADP, or Workday), benefits enrollment platforms, and advanced spreadsheet analysis.

Supplemental Information

RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS:

Note: Hiring process subject to change.

Step 1: Application Submission

• Submit your application and all required materials for consideration.

Step 2: Application Screening

• Applications will be reviewed after the job posting closes to assess each applicant's qualifications, experience, and alignment with the position requirements.

Step 3: Interviews

• Selected candidates will be invited to interview. Interviews are anticipated to take place the week of November 16, 2026.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

If you would like assistance completing an application or have any questions, please contact the HR Recruiter at HRRecruiting@cityofracine.org.

City Employee Benefits - 2026

• Health Insurance

• 92.5% of the Premium is paid by the City of Racine - either single or family.

• Centivo administers the PPO Plans that are offered. You can chose from two high-deductible health plans and one low-deductible health plan, with two different networks offered.

• CVS Caremark administers our prescription plan

• Payment of $50 per month to employees who waive health coverage

• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)

• A Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is a tax beneficial savings account that can be used in conjunction with a qualified High - Deductible Health Plan. The funds put into an H.S.A. may be used on future, eligible health care expenses without any taxation. The City makes a prorated, one-time contribution to an employee's Health Savings Account, with the amount of the contribution determined at the time of hire.

• The maximum contribution amounts are determined by the IRS each year.

• Racine Employee Health & Wellness Center

• The Employee Health and Wellness Center run by Ascension Wisconsin is available to you and your dependent(s) if enrolled in the medical insurance

• It provides comprehensive services including clinic visits, health coaching, and preventative exams and health screenings.

• Life Insurance

• City provides one unit equal to your annual earnings

• Employee may buy additional insurance - each unit is equal to your annual earnings.

• Maximum additional life insurance is four units; For a total of five (5) units at the maximum coverage.

• Cost depends on age and annual salary

• Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance is available - maximum coverage is $20,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependents, cost is $3.20 per month or half for $1.60/month

• Pension

• Wisconsin Retirement System, the contribution rate for 2026 is 14.4% Funded 50% by the City of Racine and 50% by the employee.

• Rates can change per year depending upon what is approved through WRS.

• Vacation

• Less than 4 years of continuous service - 96 hours

• At least 4 years but less than 9 years of continuous service - 136

• At least 9 years but less than 14 years of continuous service - 176

• At least 14 years but less than 21 years of continuous service - 216

• At least 21 years of continuous service - 256

• You may carry over up to 80 hours into the next year.

• During the first calendar year of employment, new employees shall earn vacation on a prorated basis based on the new employee's start date.

• Holidays

• 13 paid holidays, 12 scheduled and 1 floating

• Sick Leave

• Accrues at the rate of 1 day per full month worked.

• Casual Days

• You can earn up to 4 casual days based off the amount of sick time that you have accrued.

• You are also eligible for an additional casual day if you use 16 hours or less of sick time in the preceding year.

• Dental Insurance

• MetLife administers our dental plan with two options available to employees (Basic plan or Advanced plan). Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.

• The City of Racine pays for the Basic Employee premium if you are enrolled in the medical insurance.

• Vision Insurance

• Superior Vision administers our vision plan with one option. Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.

• Flexible Spending Plans

• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts administered by Health Equity.

• The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS each year.

• Short Term Disability Policy

• Automatically enrolled in a short-term disability insurance policy through MetLife, excludes Water and Wastewater Utility Employees.

• 70% of annual income, up to 13 weeks with a maximum benefit of $2,000 weekly.

• Employee Assistance Program

• The City of Racine offers an employee assistance program through Advocate Aurora.

• Parental Leave

• 320 hours of paid parental leave, if eligible for FMLA. Water and Wastewater Utility employees are eligible for 80 hours.

• Deferred Compensation

• Provided through Nationwide, Security Benefit (RPA/The Standard) or Wisconsin Deferred Comp.

• Supplemental Insurance

• Provided through AFLAC Funded by payroll deduction

• Accident, Hospital & Cancer policies are available

• Tuition Reimbursement

• $4,000 per year, or 80% of the employees total tuition cost, whichever is lower.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• The PSLF Program promotes full-time public sector employment. Public Employees, may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after making 120 payments toward their student loans while working full-time in public service. This means that nurses, policeman, firefighters, public health, and government employees can be eligible for participation. The Forgiveness Program was designed uniquely to provide relief to those who are doing the best for our communities every day. To find out if you qualify for a forgiveness program call 866-706-5005.

• Wellness Incentive

• Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan who complete the Wellness Incentive requirements are eligible to receive $200, spouses receive $100.

• Fitness Reimbursement

• Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan are eligible for 50% reimbursement of their annual membership fee up to a maximum of $200 per household.

• Reimbursement also includes fitness classes and weight reduction programs.

• City of Racine Residency

• City of Racine employees that are non-represented are eligible for a 4% per hour pay differential if you provide proof that you are City of Racine resident.

• City of Racine residency pay differential rates are different for:

• Racine Police Association - 3% differential rate

• Local 321 Firefighter Union - 3% differential rate

• Transit Union - 2% differential rate

• You can receive additional City contribution into your H.S.A. account if you are a City of Racine Resident. Residency contributions are based on what

Additional information about the City's comprehensive benefits package can be found on the following website; Active Employees - City of Racine - Human Resources Department

01

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• High School Diploma or Equivalent with Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate (PHD)
• None

02

How many years of experience in Human Resources Administration do you have?

• 0 - 2 years
• 2 - 4 years
• 4 - 6 years
• 6 years or more

03

How many years of experience do you have reviewing, approving, and monitoring FMLA requests?

• I do not have this experience
• 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more, but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more, but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

04

Describe your experience with self-funded health plans?

05

Please explain your experience working with group medical, dental, life insurance contracts and claim adjudication.

06

Please describe your experience with initiating, monitoring, reviewing and updating vendor or insurance contracts and plan documents?

Required Question

Employer City of Racine

Address 730 Washington Avenue

Room 204

Racine, Wisconsin, 53403

Phone 262-636-9175

Website https://cityofracinewi.gov