Employee Benefits Manager

Atlanta Public Schools; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A public education institution in Atlanta seeks an Employee Benefits Manager to oversee health and retirement programs. Responsibilities include managing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance, and leading Open Enrollment initiatives. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in benefits administration, relevant certifications, and strong leadership skills. Join us to enhance employee wellness and optimize benefits delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration.
• Professional certification preferred (e.g., CCP, PHR).
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred.
• Experience working with HRIS and ERP systems for benefits administration.
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers and oversees all employee benefits programs.
• Serves as liaison for SHBP and TRS.
• Leads Open Enrollment and education initiatives.
• Manages vendor relationships and monitors vendor performance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• Oversees accounting, reconciliation, and auditing for all benefit programs; prepares required federal, state, and internal reports.
• Analyzes claims/utilization data, identifies trends, and recommends plan design or process improvements to control costs and enhance employee experience.
• Resolves escalated employee benefits issues with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
• Leads development and continuous improvement of SOPs for benefits administration.
• Prepares and presents reports, metrics, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Stays current on industry best practices and emerging benefits trends.

Skills

Employee benefits administration

Process improvement

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication skills

HRIS systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

HRIS systems

Job description

Join to apply for the Employee Benefits Manager role at Atlanta Public Schools

The Employee Benefits Manager assists in the planning, coordination, and administration of employee health, wellness, and retirement benefit programs, including open enrollment and process improvements. Supports the Benefits Director by serving as a liaison for the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) and Teachers Retirement System (TRS), ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and delivering superior service to employees.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, finance, economics, or related field required; master’s degree preferred
• Additional years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement

Certification / License:

• Professional certification preferred (e.g., CCP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, pHCLE)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend off‑site meetings as needed

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in compensation and classification, including supervisory or team leadership experience
• Experience working with HRIS and ERP systems for benefits administration
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred

Essential Duties

• Administers and oversees all employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and retirement plans (TRS, 403(b), 457(b)).
• Serves as district liaison for SHBP and TRS, ensuring accurate eligibility, enrollment, and premium reconciliation.
• Leads annual Open Enrollment, benefit fairs, and employee education initiatives; prepares related communications.
• Manages vendor relationships and monitors vendor performance to ensure accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• Oversees accounting, reconciliation, and auditing for all benefit programs; prepares required federal, state, and internal reports.
• Analyzes claims/utilization data, identifies trends, and recommends plan design or process improvements to control costs and enhance employee experience.
• Resolves escalated employee benefits issues with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
• Leads development and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for benefits administration.
• Prepares and presents reports, metrics, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Stays current on industry best practices and emerging benefits trends.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on‑site during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in employee benefits administration and process improvement.
• Strong understanding of benefits compliance requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Proven ability to analyze data, develop metrics, and lead operational enhancements.
• Strong leadership, team management, and coaching skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across the organization and influence outcomes through data and relationship-building.
• Effective at managing multiple priorities and projects from initiation to completion with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality and exercise sound ethical judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft formal documentation and reports and deliver presentations.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other business productivity applications.
• Experience in the public sector or educational institutions preferred.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face‑to‑face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

Compensation

Salary Grade: 133

Salary Range: APS Salary Schedules

Work Days: 252

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Education and Human Resources

Industries

Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds, Insurance, and Education