HR Benefits Compensation Specialist

Human Resources Compensation and Benefits Specialist

University Overview

The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time Benefits Specialist position in the Department of Human Resources.

The University of Lynchburg is a private, nonprofit institution that fosters an inclusive academic environment committed to excellence and community engagement. We value our employees and strive to provide an enriching and supportive workplace.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Academic Initiatives and Human Resources, the Human Resources Benefits Specialist is a strategic and operational partner responsible for dual areas of focus, first as our compensation and benefits manager, and second as an HR generalist in support of all departmental functions to ensure the department is strategic, competitive, and well-managed.  Success will be measured by the ability to develop, implement, and communicate a compensation and benefits program that attracts, retains, and motivates a high-caliber workforce and the ability to support the success of the entire HR function.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation & Benefits Excellence (Primary Focus):

• Manage Compensation and Classification Structure: manage, maintain, and update the classification and compensation structures, including salary bands and pay grades, to be equitable and competitive within the higher education market and region.
• Optimize Employee Benefits: enroll, onboard, and process benefits for all employees; manage the relationship with our third-party administrator; and research and propose ways to manage costs, optimize benefit use, and impact and improve employee wellness, financial security, and work-life balance.  Researching and evaluating new benefit programs is also an expectation.

The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the University of Lynchburg’s employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, wellness programs, and other employee perks. This role will ensure that all benefits are managed efficiently, comply with federal and state regulations, and meet the needs of the university's faculty and staff. The Benefits Specialist will work closely with employees to provide support, answer questions, and resolve issues related to benefits.

• Ensure Data Integrity: Enter and ensure that employees' data is input, accurate, and up-to-date in all appropriate university technology systems.   
• Ensure Compliance and Accuracy: Proactively audit all compensation and benefits practices to ensure 100% compliance with all legal regulations and internal policies.
• Enhance Communication and Education: Develop and execute a clear communication strategy to ensure all employees understand and appreciate the value of their total rewards package.

Broader HR Contributions (Supporting Role):

Provide support and expertise to the Senior Director of Academic Initiatives and Human Resources, department and university in areas of one’s knowledge and the university's needs, such as with employee relations, performance management, compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, employee engagement, and university culture.  

Competencies and Values:

Service-orientation, quantitative interest and aptitude, analytical skills, technological acumen, strategic thinking, communication skills, and good interpersonal skills. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience: Demonstrated experience and expertise in human resources management in general, and compensation and/or benefits specifically, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.  A Master's degree or HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) are highly desirable.

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Full-time, Exempt, Salaried

Benefits:

Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.

Schedule: 

• 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (7.5 hours/day with some evenings and weekends to meet needs of the department may be required

Experience/Skills: (Please list (see example below)

• Experience as a Benefits Specialist or similar role
• Hands-on experience with HRIS or payroll software
• Knowledge of building benefits packages and bonus programs for various departments and seniority levels
• Excellent understanding of job evaluation and job analysis systems
• Good analytical skills
• Familiarity with labor legislation
• Experience with employee satisfaction surveys
• Ability to communicate effectively and have the ability to understand, comprehend and follow directions
• Must have good teamwork skills
• Excellent English-language oral skills for effective communication in individual and large group presentations. Excellent English-language reading comprehension and writing abilities. 
• Excellent mathematical skills necessary for calculating benefits costs, preparation of statistical
• reports and other assigned projects.

Physical Demands: (Please include - see example)

The functions of this position are usually performed sitting, but may involve some amount of

time walking. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, or carrying may be required.

Tasks such as working at a computer keyboard involve extensive wrist and hand movements.

Much contact with employees and the general public. The normal work schedule is 37.50 hours

per week.

Required Qualifications:

• Technology skills required for the daily function of the office and other assignments include - Google Suite, Colleague, Formstack, and PayCom.

Work Remotely:

• No

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University. 

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to: 

Human Resources Jobs Page

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from persons of color, women, Indigenous/aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University of Lynchburg community.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.