Benefits Specialist

About McDaniel College:

McDaniel College is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original "Colleges That Change Lives," McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary.

This position has a budgeted hiring rate of $59,000. The position is classified as an A3. The A3 salary band for all full-time, 12-month positions at the college with this classification have a minimum rate of $45,000 and a maximum rate of $70,312. For benefit purposes only, the workweek is estimated to be 35 hours per week. The actual schedule for exempt positions may vary based on the workload and responsibilities assigned.

At McDaniel College we value our employees by offering our full-time employees tuition remission, 403B retirement accounts, paid time off, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and paid maternity and parental leave. For more information about the college's benefits, please click here to review the 2026 benefits guidebook and click here to view 2026 premium rates.

Job Description:

The Benefits Specialist, under the general direction of the Director of Human Resources, is responsible for the administration, coordination, and maintenance of employee benefit programs. This role ensures accurate and compliant benefits processing, provides employee guidance and support, maintains benefit-related records and reporting, and collaborates with internal and external partners to deliver responsive and high-quality benefits services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Administers college benefit plans, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and leave-related benefits.
• Counsels employees on benefit options, eligibility requirements, and coverage provisions.
• Coordinates and manages the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications and enrollment activities.
• Processes benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Serves as liaison with insurance brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure effective service delivery.
• Arranges on-campus vendor meetings and benefit education sessions for employees.
• Ensures benefit administration complies with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA).
• Prepares benefit-related reports for internal use and required regulatory reporting.
• Partners closely with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, reconciliations, and required reporting.
• Safeguards the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive employee benefits data in accordance with institutional policy and regulatory requirements.
• Contributes to employee relations initiatives, including participation in training programs, benefits education, and engagement activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.
• Two to four years of related experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage data accurately and prepare reports of a technical nature.
• Excellent communication, writing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Ability to deliver great customer service while maintaining the decorum of the Human Resource Office.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Intermediate computer proficiency, including HRIS systems, databases, internet applications, email, and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations and difficult interactions with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to anticipate and plan for cyclical benefits activities (e.g., open enrollment, audits, renewals).
• Reliability and discretion in handling confidential employee information are essential.

Additional Information:

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions:

For a complete job description including essential responsibilities and to apply, please visit the college's employment webpage. Completed applications must include a cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled.