Reed College
Reed College

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Benefits Specialist

Human Resources


Reed College seeks an organized and driven person to be our HR Coordinator, Benefits & Leaves Specialist. The Benefits & Leaves Specialist ensures the effective administration and support of a comprehensive suite of employee benefits and retirement programs. By serving as a resource for employees, the Benefits & Leaves Specialist provides guidance and assistance to help staff understand their benefits options and navigate any related processes, contributing to a positive and supportive workplace environment. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Human Resources under the division of the Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, and works on campus interfacing with faculty, staff, and students. This is not a remote position.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including a comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance option for you (Reed pays 60% on medical and dental insurance premiums for your dependent), 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch. 

Starting salary range for this position is $65,000- $70,000. Starting rates of pay are contingent upon experience and are determined through an internal pay assessment. This is an exempt position on grade 6.

Who You Are

  • You sweat the details. You enjoy being the person on the team who manages the particulars.
  • You have strong writing skills.
  • You are known for bringing order to your team’s work. You are a systems thinker and are always thinking about ways to get the work done faster and with fewer errors. 
  • You like being busy and having a long and interesting To Do list. 
  • You don’t mind when the plan changes, especially if the plan changes for the better.
  • You love technology. You are an early adopter of the newest tech.
  • You don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
  • You understand the importance of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • You want to be part of a team but are able to work independently to keep track of and prioritize tasks in a changing environment.

What You’ll Do

  • Responsible for full cycle benefits administration including: knowledge of all benefit plans and applicable laws, new hire enrollment, life events, open enrollment, works with benefit vendors for all benefit changes and invoice payment.
  • Manages full cycle workers compensation claims and ensures consistent administration of programs including transition back to work.
  • Respond to and manage unemployment claims and billing.
  • Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests and disability paperwork: medical, personal, disability, FMLA, and PLO. Effectively interprets all laws as they relate to leaves of absence/disabilities.
  • Administers staff education assistance program.
  • May assist with the following processes: new hires, terminations, performance reviews, recruitments, and scheduling meetings and interviews.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 4 years of experience in human resources, including 2 years experience in benefit administration.

Application Instructions

Click below to apply. You will be directed to Interfolio to create a free account and begin your application. A resume is required. You can submit these documents in any format, but pdf works best. 

Applications will be considered as they are submitted so you are encouraged to apply early. 

Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Background check requirement: A criminal conviction record check is required for all college staff positions as a condition of employment for selected candidates. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of this background check. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case is reviewed based on the nature of the conviction and its relevance to the responsibilities of the position.

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Background Check Requirement

A criminal conviction record check is required for all college staff positions as a condition of employment for selected candidates. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of this background check. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case is reviewed based on the nature of the conviction and its relevance to the responsibilities of the position.