Mgr,HR Benefits

Mgr,HR Benefits Requisition ID req36578 Working Title Mgr,HR Benefits Position Grade 16 Position Summary Within the Division of Human Resources, manages and administers university benefits programs, which may include health, life, disability, retirement processing, education benefits, retirement plans, and absence management. Provides operational and strategic oversight of benefits initiatives, vendor relationships, communications, and compliance activities to ensure program's support the University's mission, values, and objectives. Ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and quality standards related to university benefits. Leads benefits related projects, operational improvements, quality control of related ERP systems, records managements, and customer service initiatives. Serves as a subject matter expert on benefit programs, researching and resolving complex issues and ensuring timely response to employee or constituent inquires. Participates in departmental planning related to benefit strategy and program design. Position Overview : We are a collaborative, people‑centered team seeking a dedicated benefits professional who enjoys making a meaningful impact across our university community. This role manages and enhances a broad portfolio of benefits programs—including health, retirement, leave, and related offerings—through thoughtful strategic and operational leadership. The position partners closely with internal stakeholders and vendors, ensures regulatory compliance, leads process and system improvements, and serves as a trusted subject matter expert for complex benefits inquiries. By contributing to benefits strategy, program design, and clear communications, this role helps ensure our benefits programs reflect and support the University’s mission, values, and commitment to employee well‑being. Key Responsibilities: Administer and manage employee benefits programs. Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information. Maintain accurate records of employee benefits. Ensure compliance with relevant UNM policies, state, and federal regulations. Assist in the development and implementation of new benefits programs and policies. Manages and oversees personnel. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. Note : The For Best Consideration Date has been extended to 5/22/2026 . See the Position Description for additional information. Conditions of Employment Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement. Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree; at least 7 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. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing comprehensive employee benefits programs in a complex organization. Strong knowledge of state and federal benefits laws and regulatory compliance. Ability to develop and implement benefits policies, procedures, and communications. Demonstrated use of data and reporting to support benefits decisions and cost control. Experience improving benefits processes and service delivery. Proven supervisory experience, including staff development and performance management. Experience with benefits systems, vendor management, and MS Office tools. Strong communication and strategic planning skills related to benefits administration. Additional Requirements Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM Department HR Benefits (730B2) Employment Type Staff Staff Type Regular - Full-Time Term End Date Status Exempt Pay Monthly: $7,014.80 - $10,041.20 Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information. ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required Yes For Best Consideration Date 5/22/2026 Eligible for Hiring Incentive No Eligible for Remote Work Yes Eligible for Remote Work Statement Hybrid work arrangement available: minimum three days onsite, up to two days remote, subject to change based on business needs. Application Instructions Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. In addition to submitting a copy of your resume and job application, please submit a letter of interest including a high-level description of your interest in the position, your strengths to support these responsibilities, and how your collaborative approach, commitment to employee support, and operational leadership align with the role. 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. 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. The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.