Benefits Manager

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

· Service · Professionalism · Integrity · Respect · Individual accountability · Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We’re always looking to improve. That’s the Clackamas County SPIRIT.

Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring.
We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Annual Pay Range: $116,470.04 - $157,234.07

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 - Vacation Leave! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full time non-represented group 2 County position

Non-Represented Group 2 Full Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits

Come join a great team, the HR team at Clackamas County and make a positive difference through the work we do!

Clackamas County Department of Human Resources (HR) is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead our benefits program and team! Reporting to the Deputy HR Director, the Benefits Manager will lead the Benefit and Leave Division. This division is committed to delivering comprehensive benefits, disability management, planning, education, and consultation services that foster a workplace culture focused on health, productivity, and responsible stewardship of financial resources.

In this role, the Manager oversees the operations and staff of the Benefits and Leave division. The Manager oversees the design, administration, and evaluation of employee benefits programs to ensure they are cost-effective, legally compliant, and aligned with the County’s goals for recruitment, retention, and employee well-being. Serving as the County’s subject matter expert on benefits, this position provides guidance to employees, advises leadership, and manages vendor and third-party administrator relationships.

The ideal candidate will be a results-driven, team-oriented leader with proven experience managing self-insured benefits programs. Clackamas County’s self-insured benefits program has an annual budget exceeding $63 million, requiring a manager who can balance strategic oversight with operational execution. Top candidates will demonstrate strong collaboration and leadership skills, the ability to inspire and support staff, and the capability to work independently to analyze complex issues and develop practical, effective solutions.

Additionally, the most competitive candidates will bring the following attributes:

• Demonstrated experience managing third-party administrators and self-insured programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply benefit and leave policies in compliance with federal and state regulations, while keeping current with legal and policy changes.
• Proven leadership in managing staff and benefits operations.
• Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Effective at setting priorities and managing tasks with a clear sense of urgency and importance.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state leave-related laws, including FMLA, OFLA, Paid Leave Oregon, and the ADA.
• Ability to build trust, credibility, and strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to perform well under pressure, balancing multiple priorities and stakeholder needs.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• A minimum of seven (7) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising professional level staff.
• Experience managing a self-insured benefits program.
• Experience managing, developing, and analyzing department/ division budgets.
• Experience managing third-party administrators and negotiating contracts.
• Strong analytical and technical skills to evaluate and manage programs.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Teams).

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience as a Benefits Manager or similar role in a large organization.
• Experience working in the public sector and/ or union environment.
• Experience working with PeopleSoft.
• Experience with employee development.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy
• For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

Plans, organizes, and administers County benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, deferred compensation, wellness, EAP, voluntary benefits, post-employment benefits) and leave administration programs. Ensures compliance with federal/state laws, regulations, and labor agreements (e.g., ACA, FMLA, OFLA, PFML, HIPAA, IRS, ERISA). Monitors trends, evaluates utilization, and recommends program changes; analyzes legislation and new regulations to determine effect on benefits and leave programs and services; keeps Deputy Director informed of compliance risks and emerging issues.

Develops long-term direction and philosophy for programs within Benefits and Leave Administration Division in coordination with the Deputy HR Director to align with County business objectives and workforce needs. Provides strategic advice to County leadership, elected officials, and labor partners. Research industry best practices and incorporates into program design. Develops and administers benefits policies and procedures.

Provides leadership and supervision to supervisory, professional and administrative staff; assigns work, evaluates performance, and provides coaching, and administers progressive discipline when necessary; conducts and/or facilitates staff training and development programs; provides direction to staff on complex technical or procedural issues; promotes teamwork and continuous improvement within the Benefits and Leave Administration Division.

Manages and evaluates contracts with insurers, third-party administrators, consultants, and service providers. Monitors contractor key performance indicators to ensures quality service delivery, and adherence to contractual obligations.

Represents the County on benefits-related committees, task forces, and industry networks, providing strategic insights and best practices to ensure offerings remain competitive and compliant.

In coordination with the Deputy HR Director, develops annual and supplemental budgets; prepares and manages budgets and accounting records for operating and self-insured reserve funds; presents budget proposals to HR Director; monitors revenues and expenditures.

Serves as subject matter expert on benefits in labor negotiations. Research and costs proposals, drafts contract language, and advises bargaining teams on benefits-related matters.

Designs and delivers employee communications, benefits orientations, and education programs. Promotes employee understanding and engagement with available benefits.

This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program, working 37.5 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

Please note: While this position is eligible for hybrid work, the selected incumbent will be on-site for at least the first six (6) months during onboarding and training.

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

As an internal service department, the Department of Human Resources (HR) provides consultative services and the infrastructure that sustains County department customers. HR acts as a strategic partner to provide comprehensive, timely and progressive employment practices and services to support the departments' missions, which are carried out by County employees.

The Department of HR consists of eight primary program areas - Office of the Director/Administrative Services, Human Resources Information Systems, Recruitment and Selection, Classification and Compensation, Benefits and Leave Administration, Employee Engagement and Development, Risk and Safety Management, and Employee and Labor Relations.

The Mission of the Department of Human Resources (HR) is to provide employment services, benefits and wellness, risk management and workforce planning to County Departments and Agencies so they can have the resources they need to provide high quality services and achieve their strategic results.

Learn more about Clackamas County Department of Human Resources

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

Application Process

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Request Veterans' Preference

Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

Kevin Aguilar, Recruiter
KAguilar@clackamas.us