Benefits Manager (COA Employees Only)

Job Description:

Benefits Manager (COA Employees Only)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus six (6) years of Benefits experience, including at least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Additional related experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.
Notes to Applicants
The Human Resources Department works to position the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient and collaborative strategic partnerships. We support and develop a high performing and diverse workforce that fosters a healthy, safe, respectful and productive work environment for employees and their families, City departments and the community

Position Overview:
The Benefits Manager oversees the City of Austin’s benefits programs, serving 37,000+ employees, retirees, and dependents. Leading a team of 17, they collaborate with the Corporate Financial Analyst to manage the division’s budget and present to City Council and leadership during budget and contract processes. The ideal candidate is a strategic, service-focused leader with strong benefits expertise, proven results, and the ability to both lead and support day-to-day operations.

When completing a City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide the job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• If a resume is required, it will not substitute for a complete employment application.

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (including high school graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and evidence of your professional licenses or certifications.
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).

Benefits:

• Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Pay Range
$45.22 - $58.78
Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Telework opportunities may be available following the completion of the initial training period. Hybrid schedules are subject to change based on departmental business needs. Work hours may vary depending on business requirements.
Job Close Date 04/08/2025 Type of Posting Reserved for City Employees Department Human Resources Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78704 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with benefits administration, open enrollment process, wellness programs, and self-funded medical plans.
• Experience in various benefits and wellness procurements activities, including writing requests for proposals (RFPs) and contract compliance activities.
• Experience reviewing and explaining laws and regulations governing benefits including COBRA , ERISA , and HIPAA .
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Analyzes employee and business needs for City Benefits programs and develops short- and long-range plans and to meet those needs. Communicates benefits information to management and others, as needed. Plans, organizes, directs, and controls Benefits activities. Develops and monitors the Benefits budget. Develops and revises standard operating procedures. Develops and evaluates plans, criteria, etc. for a variety of benefits projects, programs, and plans to ensure the best plans are being offered in the most cost-effective way. Monitors contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Spearheads and executes the RFP process for contractor and plan selection. Manages the Open Enrollment process. Investigates and responds to complaints from managers and other City employees. Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating Benefits performance results. Recommends major purchases and expenditures.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing human resources and benefits practices.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budgeting methods and systems.
• Skill in strategic planning and budgeting.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in developing and making effective presentations.
• Skill in handling conflict and hostile and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and human resources-related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to impartially summarize and evaluate factors related to contracts.
• Ability to write specific terms of conditions for contracts.
• Ability to enforce contractual obligations.
• Ability to resolve complex, contractual issues.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality, as required.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are: Graduation with a Bachelor's degree in a related field, plus six (6) years of Benefits experience, including at least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity. Additional related experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a current City of Austin employee?

• Yes
• No

* Describe your experience with benefits administration, open enrollment process, wellness programs, and self-funded medical plans.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in various benefits and wellness procurements activities, including writing requests for proposals (RFPs) and contract compliance activities.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience reviewing and explaining laws and regulations governing benefits including COBRA, ERISA, and HIPAA.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents Cover Letter Resume