Benefits and Leave Administration Director (BENEFITS MGR 2)

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Benefits and Employee Support Teams, the Benefits and Leave Administration Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Benefits and Leave Administration programs at both Campus and Health. Responsible for managing multiple functional areas, including employee benefits, retirement, and leave administration, ensuring consistent, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery across the organization.

Provides leadership for managers, supervisors, and professional staff responsible for administering complex benefit and leave programs governed by federal and state law, University policy, collective bargaining agreements, and plan documents. Develops operational strategies, establishes departmental goals and performance metrics, and leads initiatives that improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and the employee experience.
Represents the organization on systemwide committees and provides strategic recommendations regarding policy development and program improvements.

Apply By Date: September 27th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. Selection activity may begin at anytime

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of management experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff
• 8 years of progressively responsible administration of benefits, retirement and leave programs in a large, complex organization
• Expert level experience interpreting and applying complex federal and California state laws governing employee benefits, retirement and leave programs.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational practices to ensure regulatory compliance and consistent program administration.
• Experience successfully managing multiple priorities, projects, and operational functions in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, process improvement, and customer service initiatives.
• Demonstrated skills and experience building collaborative relationships with executive and systemwide leadership, managers, employees, representatives, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience working within a large public higher education institution, academic medical center, or similarly complex public-sector organization.
• Experience administering benefits, retirement and leave programs in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Strategic Leadership And Program Management
• 25% - Program Administration And Compliance
• 20% - Service Delivery And Consultation
• 10% - Leadership And Talent Development
• 5% - Service And Committees

Department Overview

The Benefits and Employee Support Teams support the health, wellbeing, and overall employee experience of UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees through the administration and delivery of comprehensive benefits, counseling, leave, wellbeing, recognition, and employee support programs.
The department provides guidance and services throughout the employee lifecycle, helping employees understand and access available programs while supporting the University's commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $125,600.00 - $268,000.00 annually (Budgeted Range: $180,000-200,000)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: BENEFITS MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000291
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8 AM - 5 PM
• Location: Administrative Services West, Davis CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mostly remote with some on site responsibility)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting or or .

• High quality and low-cost to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for and coverage for you and your family
• for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including , , , , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• , , and for eligible employees
• and Family Care discounts and resources
• to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• and for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

occasional overtime to meet business needs. Travel including overnight, to and from campuses, UCDHS, Office of the President, and off-site UCD departments throughout the State of California.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or discipli