Benefits Manager (HR Title: Manager, Benefits)

**Salary Range: **

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

The Benefits Manager manages the planning, administration, and delivery of the University’s comprehensive benefits programs, contributing to an exceptional employee experience for faculty and staff across campus.

This position directly manages the benefits team and oversees day-to-day operations of SMU’s health plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and leave administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.

The Benefits Manager ensures programs are compliant, competitive, cost effective, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Essential Functions:

• Benefits Program Administration — Oversee the administration and ongoing management of benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefits. Ensure accurate processing of enrollments, changes, terminations, eligibility verification, and recordkeeping. Maintain operational excellence and consistency in service delivery.

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight — Ensure all benefit programs comply with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA). Maintain and update plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related materials. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates.

• Vendor & Contract Management — Manage relationships with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators. Oversee service delivery, performance standards, billing and reconciliation processes, and contract renewals or modifications. Identify opportunities for improved service, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.

• Communication & Employee Support / Education — Develop and deliver clear, accessible benefits communications and education materials. Serve as a key resource for employees by providing guidance on benefit options, open enrollment, life events, leave, and retirement. Ensure a high level of customer service and responsiveness. Lead the planning and execution of the University’s annual Benefits Fair, coordinating with internal partners and external vendors to deliver a high-impact, campus-wide event that promotes employee engagement, education, and awareness in advance of open enrollment.

• Data Management, Reporting & Analytics — Maintain accurate benefits data within HRIS and vendor systems. Produce regular reports on enrollment, utilization, cost trends, and leave activity. Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and support recommendations for enhancements or cost management strategies.

• Strategic Planning & Program Design Support — Partner with CHRO and Sr. Vice President of Business and Finance to evaluate and enhance benefits offerings, including plan design, benchmarking against peer institutions, and cost-benefit analysis. Assess market trends and employee needs to support the development of competitive and sustainable programs.

• Leave of Absence & Retirement/Separation Administration — Oversee administration of leave programs (including FMLA and medical leave), retirement processes, retiree benefits, and benefits-related aspects of employee separations. Ensure a smooth and compliant experience for employees navigating these transitions.

• Management — Manage and develop benefits team staff, ensuring high performance, accountability, and professional growth. Assign and prioritize work, establish quality standards, and provide training and guidance. Ensure service expectations are met, and support a collaborative and service-oriented team environment.