Job Details

Benefits and Wellness Manager - Human Resources

Position Number: 7192900
Location: Allendale, MI
Position Type: Human Resources

Benefits and Wellness Manager - Human Resources

Allendale, MI
Full Time
R104542

The Benefits and Wellness Manager is responsible for overseeing all benefit and wellness-related programs and initiatives. The position oversees and manages the design and delivery of cost-effective health and welfare programs. This role strategically positions and administers health, welfare, and wellness plans to enable the organization to be a competitive employer and fulfill the university's strategic goals. This position works closely with leadership to ensure benefits and wellness offerings are aligned with business needs and objectives utilizing data analytics, utilization of reports etc.

This role develops close working relationships with the organization's benefits, wellness, and 403(b) brokers. This role oversees negotiations with carriers in the vetting of benefits, premiums, services, wellness programs, and administration.

Salary & Benefits:

Minimum starting salary of $72,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties

Responsible for planning, developing, and redesigning benefits and wellness by completing benefits and wellness surveys and reviewing information obtained from the results, analyzing complex benefits information, forecasting trends and assisting with future benefits and wellness designs, and developing specific recommendations for further review.
Responsible for the administration of GVSU benefit and wellness programs regarding interpreting policy features, enrollment management and other requirements.
Coordinate and disseminate information that requires explanation and interpretation of established university and departmental policies and direct individuals to sources of additional information. This includes fielding and answering various questions (e-mail, phone, in-person) regarding human resources new-hire information and benefits, and resolving complex member claims issues.
Work with the Budget Office and Senior Management Team (executive staff) in annual budget planning for University benefits.
Ensure benefit plan compliance with federal and state laws, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, HIPAA, Social Security, and DOL requirements.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency by documenting and maintaining administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes and auditing the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the university's benefits and wellness package.
Take a leadership role in the Michigan University Coalition on Health, Inc.
Acts as a benefits and systems expert for HR staff and special projects.
Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
Participates in the hiring process and trains and supervises the day-to-day activities of the Benefits and Wellness staff.
Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or a minimum of five (5) years of related work experience and/or relevant training.
Experience working under pressure and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Team player with genuine commitment to working in partnership and collaboratively with colleagues.
Proven ability to maintain discretion in confidential situations.
Strong customer service skills.
Extensive knowledge of benefits programs, policies, procedures and applicable legislation
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience using various computer software applications (Microsoft Office and payroll/benefit systems).
Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work, and coordinate the work activities of others.
Excellent grammar and proofreading skills.
Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Additional Human Resource designations
Experience in higher education
Human Resources/Benefits experience
Experience using Human Resources/Benefits information systems (Workday Preferred)
Experience using various reporting software

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply:

Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Tara Bivens, bivenst@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline:

Application closes June, 9, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit https://gvsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Allendale-MI/Benefits-and-Wellness-Manager---Human-Resources_R104542