Location: Kingston Rhode Island 02881
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
Hours per Week: 35 hours
Contract: 4 Months
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Specialist, Employee Benefits (Retirement) manages the day-to-day administration of retirement and retiree medical benefit programs across public higher education institutions. This role oversees 403(b) retirement and retiree medical plans, supports additional retirement savings programs, and provides retirement counseling to employees and retirees. The position works closely with internal departments, external vendors, and state agencies to ensure compliance, accuracy, and effective communication of benefits programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of the 403(b) Retiree Medical Retirement Plan, including billing, reconciliation, COBRA administration, and database maintenance.
- Serve as primary liaison with vendors and plan providers; track new plan offerings and resolve plan-related issues.
- Develop and deliver employee communications, informational materials, workshops, and meetings related to retirement programs.
- Counsel employees and retirees on retirement eligibility, benefits options, Social Security, Medicare regulations, and retirement timelines.
- Assist with administration of 403(b) Defined Contribution, Supplemental Retirement, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation plans, including enrollments, changes, withdrawals, and retirements.
- Calculate and communicate maximum tax-sheltering limits in compliance with institutional policies and IRS regulations.
- Process retirement-related transactions and maintain accurate records and databases.
- Coordinate open enrollment activities and provide logistical support for benefits providers.
- Participate in wellness program development and implementation.
- Collaborate with payroll, finance, state agencies, and external partners to ensure smooth benefits operations.
- Provide backup support to other Human Resources functional areas as needed.
- Minimum of three years of experience in employee benefits administration with a focus on retirement plans.
- Strong knowledge of retirement plan coordination, compliance, and consultation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, HRIS systems, and standard office applications.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to present information clearly to employees, retirees, and diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and confidentiality.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
- Concentrated experience in retirement plan management and employee/retiree counseling.
- Experience with Workday or other Human Capital Management (HCM) systems.
- CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification or related coursework.
- Experience working with public sector or higher education benefits programs.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
