Human Resources Manager of Benefits
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Salary is $80,000 - $105,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, the Benefits Manager is responsible for the implementation and administration of California State University (CSU) sponsored employee and retiree benefit programs for the Fresno State campus. The Benefits Manager serves as the lead benefits resource to approximately 2,200+ active employees and retirees, and as the campus liaison for an array of CSU benefits vendors. As the subject matter expert, the Benefits Manager provides consultation to the campus and leads a team of professionals to administer health and wellness programs including CSU health insurance benefits, CalPERS retirement program, tax deferred plans, leaves of absences, fee waiver program, flexible spending accounts, and voluntary benefits plans.

The position requires someone who is experienced in benefits program administration and compliance, is highly organized, collaborative, and understands the importance of responsive and caring customer service. The incumbent works with minimal direction and is expected to independently determine and develop a sound and practical approach to benefits related issues and solutions. 

Key Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations governing benefits administration, state and federal leave entitlements, and retirement programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current laws and regulations applicable to employee benefits including Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Knowledge of the current laws and regulations of employee leave programs including Industrial Disability Leave, Nonindustrial Disability Leave, Catastrophic Leave, Family Medical Leave, Pregnancy Disability Leave, and other leave programs.
• Knowledge of the current laws and regulations governing general human resources and equal opportunity employment programs.
• Knowledge and experience using HR systems, computers, and multiple software packages in order to administer, process, and direct benefits operations.
• Knowledge of the connection between leaves administration, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accommodations, and workers’ compensation programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective delivery of presentations, workshops, benefits fairs, and other programming to promote the array of benefits available to employees, dependents, and retirees.
• Excellent writing, verbal and training communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and must possess good judgment when making decisions.
• Skilled in taking the initiative to troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Highly skilled in researching and resolving benefit discrepancies.
• Highly skilled in clearly explaining benefits programs to an array of campus constituents.
• Ability to promote an excellent customer service culture and maintain a strong functional benefits team through effective training, coaching, team building, and succession planning.
• Ability to research, analyze and extrapolate data.
• Ability to develop and implement effective and efficient processes procedures and solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a diverse environment.
• Ability to apply complex policies and procedures to daily operations.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the campus community and outside organizations.
• Ability to speak and provide training to large groups of employees.
• Ability to organize, meet deadlines, prioritize and complete projects with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate and work as a team.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines scheduled in regular monthly cycles to generate accurate and timely results.
• Ability to identify and critically assess data and apply towards implementation of HR procedures.
• Available to work the standard operating work hours of the department is required.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in human resources to include a minimum of 5 years of experience in employee benefits administration.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Experience working in higher education and/or for a governmental agency in a unionized environment.
    • Experience administering CSU benefits programs.
    • Experience in the delivery of employee benefits in medium-to-large sized organizations.
    • Experience with HRM PeopleSoft
    • Supervisory experience.

Department Summary

The Mission of Human Resources is to enhance the university community by attracting, retaining, and supporting a quality workforce in its effort to provide an excellent educational program for our students.

Deadline & Application Instructions

This position will remain open until filled with an initial review date of November 12, 2023.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)