Benefits Coordinator

We are looking for a Benefits Coordinator to support retirement and leave administration for employees in Cleveland, Ohio. This Long-term Contract position offers the opportunity to contribute to a university environment by helping staff navigate benefit programs, absence-related processes, and enrollment questions with accuracy and care. The role works closely with benefits leadership and requires strong knowledge of compliance standards, clear communication skills, and a service-focused approach. This position is primarily remote with in-office attendance expected for training and as needed, with on-site support strongly preferred ahead of the fall semester.

Responsibilities:
• Partner with benefits leadership to coordinate retirement and leave of absence programs for permanent and part-time employees, ensuring consistent and timely administration.
• Create, revise, and share employee-facing materials that explain benefit offerings, while maintaining clear internal process documentation.
• Respond to employee questions regarding enrollment, qualifying life events, plan options, and general benefits matters with professionalism and empathy.
• Support benefits processing activities through accurate data entry, routine reporting, and audits designed to preserve data quality.
• Assist with administrative tasks tied to carrier file transmissions, vendor invoicing, and post-payroll funding activities as needed.
• Review and reconcile HR and benefits information to help confirm alignment with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance to employees throughout leave-related processes, including cases involving out-of-state considerations when applicable.
• Deliver presentations or informational sessions that help employees better understand available benefit and absence programs.
• Perform additional related duties that support the overall success of benefits and absence administration.• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration and absence management.
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws governing benefits and leave programs, including COBRA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and Section 125.
• Experience handling leave of absence cases, including more complex or multi-state situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain benefit information clearly and develop presentations or written materials.
• High level of attention to detail, discretion, and sensitivity when managing confidential employee information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using HRIS or benefits systems such as PeopleSoft.
• Background in benefits coordination, COBRA administration, and broader compensation and benefits support is preferred.