Senior Benefits Analyst (Principal)

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason Human Resources is dedicated to creating a people-centered environment where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to attract, engage, and retain talented faculty and staff through meaningful programs and practices that foster connection, growth, and well-being.

As a trusted strategic partner, our team champions an all-inclusive and innovative culture that prioritizes community and belonging. We play a vital role in advancing the university’s goals by designing and delivering services that support each employee’s professional and personal journey.

Serving close to 12,000 employees and retirees, our HR team continuously evolves to meet the needs of a dynamic, diverse, and dedicated workforce, building a workplace where people can do their best work and feel a strong sense of purpose.

About the Position:

The Senior Benefits Analyst (Principal) role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight and hands-on execution, with approximately 50% dedicated to strategic planning, program design, and compliance, and 50% focused on benefits administration to maintain operational excellence. Reporting to a senior director, this position is a key member of a collaborative team responsible for administering benefit plans for employees and retirees, leading efforts that ensure compliance, drive process improvements, and deliver high-value services. This position has the opportunity to spearhead RFPs, vendor transitions, and the financial management of health and retirement investment plans.

The Senior Benefits Analyst (Principal) shapes benefits strategy, influences major plan and vendor decisions, and makes a lasting impact on the well-being of the university’s workforce. This position's leadership helps strengthen GM's total rewards philosophy, ensuring our benefits offerings continue to attract and retain world-class talent while supporting a thriving, engaged university community.

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

Responsibilities:

Strategic Benefits Program Development

• Leads the strategic design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the university’s benefits programs to align with institutional goals and evolving employee needs;
• Applies deep knowledge of health and welfare benefits to inform strategy, policy development, and vendor partnerships;
• Serves as a senior advisor on benefits policy and strategy to HR leadership and campus stakeholders;
• Represents the university on statewide and inter-institutional committees, and lead assessments, benchmarking, and communications planning;
• Spearheads or supports RFP processes, vendor transitions, and the financial management of health and welfare plans;
• Oversees vendor relationships, contract performance, and serve as a resource in shaping major plan decisions; and
• Provides day-to-day support and mentorship to the benefits team. 

Benefits Administration

• Oversees the administration of core benefits (health, dental, life, disability, retirement), ensuring compliance and service excellence;
• Acts as a senior expert for complex benefits inquiries and escalations;
• Leads open enrollment initiatives, employee education campaigns, and plan enhancements to improve engagement and understanding;
• Develops and executes communication strategies to strengthen employee experience; and
• Ensures accurate documentation, policy alignment, and timely reporting. 

Retirement Management

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

Employee Extended Absence Management

• Provides senior-level oversight for complex leave cases (FMLA, VSDP), ensuring equitable and consistent application;
• Develops SOPs, templates, and training resources in collaboration with departments and HR partners; and
• Monitors leave and absence trends to inform HR strategy and policy updates. 

Audit, Reconciliation, and Compliance

• Ensures benefits programs operate in accordance with applicable laws and best practices;
• Conduct audits, reconcile data, and resolve discrepancies across systems, working cross-functionally as needed;
• Prepares and maintain documentation of audit findings and compliance activities;
• Supports system testing, content accuracy, and the preparation of reports and metrics; and
• Analyzes program data, trends, and benchmarks to provide insights and recommendations to leadership. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field (a master’s degree may substitute for some experience);
• Substantial, progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration within a large, complex organization;
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on benefits strategy, compliance, and program design;
• Proven leadership in cross-functional initiatives, such as benefits redesigns, open enrollment planning, vendor transitions, or HRIS upgrades;
• Strong background in regulatory compliance, including experience with audit preparation and data reconciliation;
• Experience overseeing complex leave management and retirement administration;
• Extensive knowledge of health, welfare, and retirement plan administration;
• In-depth understanding of federal and state compliance requirements (ACA, HIPAA, FMLA);
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable recommendations;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint);
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex programs clearly to diverse audiences;
• Strong organizational and project management skills in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment;
• Commitment to service excellence and a customer-focused mindset;
• Ability to lead or mentor staff, set priorities, and coordinate operational work independently and in a team environment; and
• High level of discretion and professionalism in managing confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Professional certifications related to benefits or human resources (e.g., CEBS, CBP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP);
• Experience in higher education or public sector settings, with an understanding of institutional governance and state-administered benefit programs;
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms such as Ellucian Banner, Oracle, Workday, or PeopleSoft;
• Demonstrated success in mentoring or coaching team members to support professional development;
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership on benefits strategy and policy development;
• Experience supporting or designing wellness initiatives or benefits communications aligned with strategic HR goals;
• Working knowledge of Medicare and related resources;
• Familiarity with retirement plan governance and coordination with fiduciary advisors or investment committees; and 
• Spanish language proficiency, which may enhance service delivery to diverse populations;

Instructions to Applicants: 

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

Posting Open Date: July 30, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  August 13, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes