Benefits and Leave Administration Director (BENEFITS MGR 2)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 1,402,000 - 2,991,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement (mostly remote

Excellent benefits package

Pension and retirement plans

Job summary

University of California - Davis is seeking a Benefits and Leave Administration Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for benefits, retirement, and leave programs at both Campus and Health. You will guide managers and staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and represent the university on systemwide committees while driving improvements in service delivery and employee experience.

The role requires strong policy development skills, change management, and collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8 years of progressively responsible administration of benefits, retirement and leave programs in a large, complex organization.
• Expert level experience interpreting federal and California laws governing benefits, retirement and leave programs.
• Experience developing policies and operational practices to ensure compliance and consistent program administration.
• Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, and customer service initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for benefits, retirement, and leave administration across Campus and Health.
• Direct managers and staff responsible for complex benefit programs governed by laws, policies, and plans.
• Represent UC Davis on systemwide committees and advise on policy development and program improvements.
• Oversee multiple priorities and programs to improve service delivery and employee experience.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Change management

Benefits expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Public Admin

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Benefits and Employee Support Teams, the Benefits and Leave Administration Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Benefits and Leave Administration programs at both Campus and Health. Responsible for managing multiple functional areas, including employee benefits, retirement, and leave administration, ensuring consistent, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery across the organization.

Provides leadership for managers, supervisors, and professional staff responsible for administering complex benefit and leave programs governed by federal and state law, University policy, collective bargaining agreements, and plan documents. Develops operational strategies, establishes departmental goals and performance metrics, and leads initiatives that improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and the employee experience.

Represents the organization on systemwide committees and provides strategic recommendations regarding policy development and program improvements.

Apply By Date: September 27th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. Selection activity may begin at anytime

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of management experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff
• 8 years of progressively responsible administration of benefits, retirement and leave programs in a large, complex organization
• Expert level experience interpreting and applying complex federal and California state laws governing employee benefits, retirement and leave programs.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational practices to ensure regulatory compliance and consistent program administration.
• Experience successfully managing multiple priorities, projects, and operational functions in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, process improvement, and customer service initiatives.
• Demonstrated skills and experience building collaborative relationships with executive and systemwide leadership, managers, employees, representatives, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience working within a large public higher education institution, academic medical center, or similarly complex public-sector organization.
• Experience administering benefits, retirement and leave programs in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Strategic Leadership And Program Management
• 25% - Program Administration And Compliance
• 20% - Service Delivery And Consultation
• 10% - Leadership And Talent Development
• 5% - Service And Committees

Department Overview

The Benefits and Employee Support Teams support the health, wellbeing, and overall employee experience of UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees through the administration and delivery of comprehensive benefits, counseling, leave, wellbeing, recognition, and employee support programs.

The department provides guidance and services throughout the employee lifecycle, helping employees understand and access available programs while supporting the University's commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $125,600.00 - $268,000.00 annually (Budgeted Range: $180,000-200,000)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: BENEFITS MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000291
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8 AM - 5 PM
• Location: Administrative Services West, Davis CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mostly remote with some on site responsibility)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

occasional overtime to meet business needs. Travel including overnight, to and from campuses, UCDHS, Office of the President, and off-site UCD departments throughout the State of California.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one.

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks