Benefits Specialist

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is seeking a Benefits Specialist to join the Benefits & Employee Wellness team. The role focuses on health insurance, retirement processing, absence management, education benefits, and compliance for employees, students, and retirees.

Responsibilities include advising university personnel, coordinating benefit programs, preparing communications, and conducting data reconciliations, with emphasis on policy compliance and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of benefits principles, practices and documentation.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse individuals.
• Ability to resolve customer service issues under pressure.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to employees, students, and retirees on benefits.
• Participate in design/review of benefit plans and programs.
• Coordinate development of communications and educational materials.
• Perform complex reconciliations of benefits data.
• Research and resolve complex, non-routine problems.
• Contribute to development of benefits policy recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with university and applicable laws.

Skills

Benefits knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Data reporting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree may substitute for experience

Job description

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico's Division of Human Resources seeks a Benefits Specialist to join the Benefits & Employee Wellness team. The role focuses on health insurance, retirement processing, retirement plans, absence management, education benefits, and compliance, supporting employees, students, and retirees.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and guidance to university employees, students, and retirees regarding benefits.
• Participates in the design and review of individual benefit plans and programs.
• Coordinates the preparation and implementation of communication and educational programs and materials.
• Performs complex reconciliations of benefits‑related data.
• Researches and resolves complex, non‑routine problems.
• Participates in the development of new or revised benefits policy recommendations.
• Ensures compliance with university, division‑level policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable federal and state laws.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The position has supervisory responsibilities, which may include supervising, leading, training, providing technical support, and coordinating the activities and coverage of staff performing related work.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 6 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Knowledge and understanding of benefits principles, practices, procedures, and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to resolve difficult or stressful customer service issues.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas must comply with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Must pass a pre‑employment criminal background check.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a benefits‑eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. UNM also offers educational benefits through tuition remission and dependent education programs.

Background Check

Yes. All regular staff positions must successfully pass a pre‑employment background check.

Remote Work

The position offers a hybrid onsite/remote schedule.

Veteran Preference

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.