The Position:

Director, Employment & Benefits

Job Summary:

The Director, Employment & Benefits is a leadership role responsible for directing, planning, and overseeing all group benefits programs, including health, retirement (403(b)), disability, and life insurance. This Director ensures exceptional customer service, drives continuous improvement of existing benefits, investigates new programs, and provides critical analytical and technical support for benefits delivery and HR data management across the College.

Characteristic Responsibilities:

Benefits Strategy & Administration

• Direct and administer comprehensive group benefits programs, serving as the primary liaison to benefit carriers, brokers, and College employees.

• Manage Open Enrollment, including leading the annual process and working closely with the benefits broker on plan design and utilization review.

• Ensure data integrity of the benefits module within Workday, including processing all enrollments (new hires, Qualifying Life Events, COBRA) and updating benefit and dependent information accurately.

• Manage carrier escalations and resolve complex employee benefit issues in collaboration with the AVP of HR.

• Oversee compliance & reporting, including assisting with the preparation of annual 5500 reporting for TIAA-CREF and ancillary benefits.

Leave Management & Compliance

• Manage all Employee Leaves of Absence, ensuring full compliance with related federal and state regulations, including FMLA, ADA, STD, and LTD.

• Lead the FMLA Process for the College, advising employees on procedures, directing the distribution of required legal notices, and tracking FMLA usage.

• Manage Worker’s Compensation claim processing and reporting, including providing monthly injury statistics to the Safety Committee.

• Act as the College's Privacy Official, developing and implementing all necessary privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

HR Operations & Data Management

• Co-manage the employee tuition program and tuition exchange program.

• Manage the College-Wide Wellness Program (e.g., walking challenges, biometric screenings), including leading or participating in the Wellness Committee.

• Provide Analytical Support for the annual performance and salary review process, including comparative salary analysis.

• Collaborate with the HR Team on Workday initiatives, HR projects, process improvements, and quarterly meeting presentations.

• Handle Data Reporting, including preparing annual survey responses and providing comprehensive employee data to the Director of Institutional Research & Records for IPEDS reporting.

• Other duties as assigned.

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.

• SHRM Certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) preferred.

• A minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated work experience in human resources, specifically in employment and benefits administration.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Workday or another HRIS system, including understanding of business processes, configuration, reporting, and HCM/Recruiting/Performance functionality.

• Exceptional professionalism, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality. Must have the ability to understand, interpret, and clearly explain complex benefits programs to employees.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive academic and professional environment where all members of our campus community are respected, valued, can succeed, and thrive.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; proven ability to set work priorities and meet critical deadlines.

• Deep appreciation for and commitment to adhering to human resource laws and regulations.

• Higher education experience is preferred.

• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks, including but not limited to education verification, criminal background, and child abuse clearance.

Schedule & Benefits:

At Muhlenberg, we believe in supporting our employees with a highly competitive benefits package that promotes well-being and professional growth. This full-time position includes generous paid time off (22 vacation days per year) and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level and a college fitness center membership. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is also a qualifying employer under the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming: comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student’s performance and potential.

Part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, Pennsylvania’s third-largest, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18–34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and so much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) a separate statement speaking to how your professional experience will contribute to a more inclusive community at Muhlenberg; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.

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An Equal Opportunity Employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to valuing and enhancing diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our community. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetics, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, in its education programs and activities, including admissions and employment. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate on the basis of sex as required by Title IX.

Legal Notice

Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.