Benefits Specialist

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.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$55,000.00 - $65,000.00

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. 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.