State Prog Admin Manager - System Manager for Benefits

mnstate.edu; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota State System Office in Saint Paul seeks a State Program Admin Manager to oversee systemwide benefits and retirement administration. This role provides leadership across the HR Shared Services model, driving high-quality, compliant service delivery and building a high-performing team focused on customer outcomes.

The position demands strategic vision, strong collaboration with stakeholders, and a track record of improving processes within public sector HR.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional HR experience in benefits, retirement, payroll, HRIS, or related disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and ACA compliance.
• Experience interpreting employment laws, contracts, and policies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the effectiveness, quality, and consistency of benefits and retirement service delivery across the Minnesota State system.
• Plan, organize, direct, and manage systemwide benefits and retirement administration functions.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership over benefits delivery within the HR Shared Services model.
• Ensure alignment between enterprise strategy, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations.

Skills

Benefits administration

HRIS

Supervision

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Tools

Workday

SCUPPS/SEMA4

Job description

Job Information

Working Title: State Prog Admin Manager - System Manager for Benefits

Institution: Minnesota State System Office

Classification Title: State Prog Admin Manager

Bargaining Unit / Union: 220: Managerial Plan

City: St. Paul

FLSA: Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time: Full time

Employment Condition: Classified - Unlimited

Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10

Job Description

The position is accountable for the overall effectiveness, quality, and consistency of benefits and retirement service delivery across the Minnesota State system. Plan, organize, direct, and manage systemwide benefits and retirement administration functions for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. This position provides strategic and operational leadership over benefits delivery within the HR Shared Services model, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and compliant services across the enterprise. The incumbent is accountable for establishing vision, priorities, and performance expectations for benefits operations and for building a high-performing team that delivers responsive, customer-focused services. This role ensures alignment between enterprise strategy, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.

Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10/hourly ($86,819 - $125,489/annually)

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional HR experience in benefits, retirement, payroll, HRIS, or related disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and ACA compliance.
• Experience interpreting employment laws, contracts, and policies to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred Qualification

• Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).
• Experience in a public sector or unionized environment.
• Experience with Minnesota State systems (e.g., Workday, SCUPPS/SEMA4) and retirement plan administration.
• Experience leading change initiatives or shared services operations.
• Knowledge of higher education HR and benefits practices

Other Requirements

n/a

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework (Yes/No)

Hybrid

About Minnesota State

is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees who serve our 200,000 students each year throughout the state. We have a vibrant and diverse system of 33 colleges and universities with 14,444 dedicated faculty and staff focused on student success.

Benefits Information

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website. To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels might vary depending on type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date

10-15-2026

Position End Date

Open

Open Date

08-26-2026

Close Date

09-22-2026

Equal Opportunity / Diversity Statement

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States.

Diverse Workforce Information

Connect 700 and Veteran's Preference Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are military friendly campuses and recognized Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organizations. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive community and corporate support network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, and resources to meet the needs of Veterans, Service Members, and families in all military branches.