Benefits Specialist

At the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS), we are committed to serving the people who serve North Dakota. Every day, our work impacts the lives of thousands of public employees, retirees, and their families. We manage the benefits that ensure peace of mind, financial security, and dignity in public service-and we do it with transparency, excellence, and care.

At NDPERS, every team member contributes to changing the lives of those we serve for the better. We are seeking a Benefits Specialist with strong interpersonal and administrative skills to join our benefits administration team.

As a Benefits Specialist, you will be responsible for enrolling members in various benefit programs, including retirement plans, group insurance (health, dental, vision, life, prescription drug coverage, and employee assistance program), deferred compensation, and flex comp plans. Additionally, you will provide excellent service to our members and employers.

Summary of Work

• Process new and annual enrollments through PERSLink and other systems.
• Process benefit plan changes and terminations.
• Maintain and reconcile member records and reports with vendors.
• Respond to member inquiries related to plan eligibility and enrollment.
• Support retiree group insurance administration and counsel retirees on eligibility and enrollment.
• Provide guidance to HR and payroll staff of state agencies and political subdivisions.
• Partner with NDPERS staff, members, and insurance vendors to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of professional work experience in administrative and office support roles.
• A combination of college coursework in business administration, human resources or a closely related field, along with relevant work experience that provides equivalent knowledge and skills may also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is service-minded, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping others. The ideal candidate is:

• A clear communicator who can explain benefit information with patience and professionalism.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• Adaptable and proactive, comfortable shifting tasks based on member and employer needs.
• Collaborative, working well with team members, agency partners, and vendors.
• Committed to public service, understanding the impact benefits have on the wellbeing of employees and retirees.

What Will Set You Apart:

• Comprehensive experience interpreting and administering retirement and insurance employee benefit plans.
• Knowledge of employee benefit concepts, including eligibility, enrollment, and plan changes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex benefit or enrollment issues.
• Customer-service orientation with the ability to counsel employers and members on eligibility and enrollment requirements.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applicants must complete the on-line application via the OMB Career site. The application must be submitted by 11:59 pm CST on the posted closing date.

All potential applicants must attach and/or upload the following documents in a .pdf, .doc or .docx format.

• Resume
• Cover letter that includes a brief description of your background/qualifications
• Three professional work references
• College Transcripts (if applicable)

Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory state and federal criminal background check and credit check.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. NDPERS does not provide sponsorships.

Contact Lindsay Schaf at 701-328-3908 or lschaf@nd.gov for more information regarding the position.

Contact Jill Mugaas at 701-328-4743 or jemugaas@nd.gov should you require an accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the application process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701) 328-3290.

Agency Specific

Why You'll Love Working Here: At NDPERS, you will be part of a mission-driven team that shapes the benefits of thousands of public servants across the state. Here you will have the opportunity to:

• Make an Impact: Your work directly supports the wellbeing of thousands of employees and retirees.
• Serve North Dakota: Contribute to a resilient, effective public workforce.
• Join a Purpose-Driven Team: Collaborate with dedicated professionals who value service, stewardship, and excellence.

Learn more about our mission and vision.

Compensation and Location:

Hiring salary range: $3,740-$4,650 per month depending on experience

Location: NDPERS office in Bismarck, ND

• After successful completion of a 1-3 month training period, this position may transition to a hybrid work schedule.
• Typical rotation: one week in office in our Bismarck, ND location every four weeks (flexible to adjust based on agency needs)
The selected candidate must reside within North Dakota.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.