Specialist, Employee Benefits (Retirement)

Posting Number: SF02104
Position Type: Professional Staff
Union: Non-Union Non-Classified Staff
Pay Grade Level: Grade Level: 11
Pay Grade Range: Anticipated Salary Hiring Range: $65,000 - $70,000
Department: Human Resources
Campus Location:

Job Description Summary:
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 15, 2025. Applications received after December 15, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Human Resources:

The HR team at URI is a dedicated group of professionals committed to driving the university's mission by prioritizing our most valuable resource: our people. Currently undergoing an exciting transformation, we are focused on fostering growth, agility, and excellence to become strategic partners and trusted resources for the campus community. We strive to deliver innovative, high-quality, and compliant HR initiatives that attract, engage, develop, recognize, and retain a diverse and talented workforce. Our team works hard, supports one another, and values a collaborative and fun work environment, all while providing exceptional service to the university.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please Note: After an initial onboarding period, this role will be eligible for a HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE with one or more days per week OFFSITE.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

POSITION SUMMARY:

Manage the day-to-day operation and oversight of the Rhode Island public higher education 403(b) Retiree Medical plan for all eligible employees and retirees at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, the Community College of Rhode Island, the Office of Postsecondary Commissioner; assist with the 403(b) retirement plan at URI, as well as optional retirement savings plans; assist with the University of Rhode Island's long-term disability program; assist in the implementation of all benefits programs for URI employees and provide support to other functional areas in the department.



Duties and Responsibilities:
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the relationship with vendors, track new plan offerings, and resolve any emergent plan issues. Develop communications, informational materials and workshops/meetings for employees regarding the 403(b) Alternate Retirement Program, as well as the State of Rhode Island Employee Retirement System (ERSRI); Attend Joint Alternate Retirement Plan Committee (JARPC) meetings.
Manage the system-wide day-to-day operation of the 403(b) Retiree Medical Retirement plan; develop and maintain the billing system and provider/carrier reconciliation and COBRA systems for eligible employees and retirees, including the database support system for both health and life insurance; consult with information technologists regarding systems plan modifications consistent with both institutional and health care providers' regulations; maintain all program files and documents; develop regular and customized statistical reports regarding plan activities; communicate with and counsel employees and retirees on plan benefits, options, and modifications, including Social Security and Medicare regulations.
Assist with the 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Choice (RC) plan for University employees; counsel employees regarding plan options, regulations, and benefits; process new enrollments, changes, withdrawal/loan requests and retirement actions in conjunction with institutional and plan requirements; as needed, on an annual basis, calculate and communicate all participants' maximum tax sheltering options and limitations in conformance with University and institutional policy and Internal Revenue Service laws and regulations; provide liaison to plan providers and systems administration.
Assist employees in the enrollment process, changes and terminations for eligible additional retirement savings plans, including the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Choice Plus (RCP) plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan; process transactions paperwork and maintain records and database regarding plans; process enrollments, changes and retirement paperwork for employees participating in the State of RI Employee Retirement System (ERS); assist employees dealing with the ERS Office.
Assist with the institution's long term disability plan for eligible employees; counsel employees and process long term disability applications; interpret plan provisions and troubleshoot claims issues with the carrier.
Meet individually with new employees enrolling in benefit plans as requested; interpret program options and process paperwork to the State Benefits Office.
Participate in the coordination of open enrollment drives for University employees and retirees, including logistic support for providers/carriers' representatives.
Participate in the creation and coordination of wellness programs and initiatives for University employees.
Provide support to other functional areas in the department and serve as a backup for other Human Resources department staff on an as needed basis.
Maintain a strong working relationship with key University and external entities or offices, including the Controller and Payroll Offices, State Benefits and Office of Personnel Administration, State Controller, ERS, Office of Postsecondary Commissioner, Human Resources Offices at Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island and all plan carriers/providers, employees, retirees, and the public.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform other duties as assigned.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Microsoft Suite, Gmail, Power Point, Excel and Google spreadsheets, and database management; calculator, telephone, copy/scan/fax machines.



Posting Date: 12/02/2025

To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16049







Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-34a0ddf01f801049b5877ff7a01ead2d

About University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The University of Rhode Island is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.

Connections working at University of Rhode Island