Principal Benefits Analyst

Department: Human Resources

Classification: HR Analyst 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

To support the University mission through the development and implementation of policies, programs, and practices that attract, retain, and reward faculty and staff.

About the Position:

The Principal Benefits Analyst serves as a senior subject matter expert, strategist, and program leader in the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the university's comprehensive benefits offerings. This role leads complex benefits projects, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports long-term planning efforts that align with the university’s total rewards philosophy. It plays a key role in developing innovative strategies for benefits design, communications, compliance, and employee education while supporting cross-functional initiatives in collaboration with HR, Payroll, vendors, and external agencies.

This position is expected to work from the Fairfax campus at least three days per week.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Benefits Leadership and Program Development

• Leads the strategic design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the university’s benefits programs to align with institutional goals and employee needs;
• Serves as a senior advisor on benefits policy and strategy to HR leadership and campus stakeholders;
• Represents the university on statewide or inter-institutional committees;
• Leads benefit assessments, benchmarking, and communications planning;
• Oversees vendor relationships and contract performance; and
• Provides day-to-day leadership of the benefits function in the absence of a manager, including mentoring staff, coordinating workflows, and supporting professional development. 

Benefits Administration 

• Oversees the administration of core benefits (health, dental, life, disability), ensuring compliance and service quality;
• Acts as senior subject matter expert on complex benefits inquiries and escalations;
• Leads initiatives such as open enrollment, employee education, and plan enhancements;
• Develops communication strategies to improve understanding and engagement; and
• Ensures accurate documentation, reporting, and policy alignment. 

Retirement Management 

• Directs administration and education for retirement programs (VRS and ORP) and supports institutional retirement governance;
• Advises employees and leadership on eligibility, planning, and transitions;
• Coordinates with vendors and state partners to ensure compliance and service continuity;
• Analyzes retirement trends to inform workforce planning and readiness. 

Employee Extended Absence Management 

• Provides senior-level oversight for complex leave cases (FMLA, VSDP, ADA);
• Interprets policies and ensures consistent application across the university;
• Coordinates with departments, vendors, and HR partners for seamless case management; and
• Develops SOPs, templates, and training; monitors trends to inform broader HR strategy. 

Audit, Reconciliation, and Compliance 

• Ensures benefits programs operate in accordance with applicable laws and best practices;
• Conducts audits, reconciles data, and resolves discrepancies across systems, working cross-functionally as needed;
• Performs regular audits of financial records, systems, and transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal controls;
• Prepares and maintains detailed documentation of audit findings, reconciliation reports, and corrective actions taken;
• Develops and maintains SOPs and compliance documentation;
• Supports system testing, web content accuracy, and preparation of reports and metrics;
• Analyzes program data, trends, benchmarks, and legal updates to provide actionable insights and recommendations to leadership; and
• Prepares reports and metrics as needed and requested. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Substantial, progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration within a large, complex organization (typically supporting 1,000+ employees across multiple benefit and retirement programs);
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on benefits strategy, compliance, and program design, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements and benchmarking data into actionable insights;
• Proven leadership in cross-functional initiatives, such as benefits redesigns, open enrollment planning, vendor transitions, or HRIS upgrades, with a focus on project execution and stakeholder engagement;
• Strong background in regulatory compliance, including hands-on experience with audit preparation, data reconciliation, and policy interpretation across programs like FMLA, HIPAA, and ACA;
• Experience overseeing or coordinating complex leave management and retirement administration, including communication strategies and process improvements;
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits administration, including health, disability, and retirement plans;
• In-depth understanding of federal and state compliance requirements, including ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, and related regulations;
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and develop strategic recommendations;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (for data analysis and reporting) and PowerPoint (for executive presentations);
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex benefit programs to diverse audiences;
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and provide technical and operational guidance in a collaborative team environment;
• High level of discretion and professionalism, with the ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment;
• Commitment to service excellence, with a customer-focused mindset and the ability to build effective working relationships across stakeholders;
• Adaptability and initiative, with the capacity to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a hybrid environment; and
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor staff, set priorities, and coordinate operational work in the absence of a formal manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field; master’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for some required experience;
• Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment, with an understanding of institutional governance, policy, and state-administered benefit programs;
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms, such as Ellucian Banner, Oracle, Workday, or PeopleSoft, particularly in benefits or leave modules;
• Prior experience managing or supervising a benefits team, or serving as second-in-command within a benefits or total rewards function;
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching team members to support their professional development;
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership on benefits strategy, policy development, or program implementation;
• Prior experience leading a team or serving in a senior/lead capacity within a Total Rewards or HR operations function;
• Experience supporting or designing wellness initiatives, leave policy updates, or benefits communications in alignment with strategic HR goals;
• Working knowledge of Medicare and related support resources;
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus and may enhance service delivery to diverse populations; and
• Familiarity with retirement plan governance, including coordination with investment committees, vendors, or fiduciary advisors.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Principal Benefits Analyst at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: May 22, 2025

Posting Close Date:  June 5, 2025

Open Until Filled:  No