Job Details

We seek a dynamic individual to serve as our Director of Employee Benefits.   
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is experiencing sustained momentum, with record enrollment growth and a recent designation as an R1 Opportunity University, reflecting its expanding research profile and commitment to student success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic individual to join a growing university and a forward-focused leadership team at a pivotal time of institutional advancement. The position reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, who serves on the Chancellor’s cabinet, offering meaningful visibility and influence at the highest levels of the organization. As a key member of the AVC for HR’s leadership team—alongside the Directors of Talent Acquisition and Compensation, Labor and Employee Relations, Equity and Compliance, and Payroll Services—this role will help shape and advance the University’s human capital strategy in a collaborative and evolving environment.

Strategic Leadership of Employee Benefits Programs: Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and leave-related programs. Ensures programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with institutional goals.  

Note: The University is not self-insured for employee health insurance programs; core plan design, premiums, and offerings are administered through the State of Illinois via Central Management Services (CMS). This position ensures effective institutional administration, compliance, and employee engagement within that framework.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance and Administration: Leads institutional compliance with the Affordable Care Act, including eligibility tracking, measurement and stability period administration, afford ability determinations, and oversight of IRS reporting requirements (e.g., Forms 1094-C and 1095-C). Ensures accurate classification of employees, monitoring of hours of service, and coordination with payroll and HRIS systems to mitigate compliance risk and penalties.  

Policy Development and Regulatory Compliance: Develops, interprets, and ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and programs related to employee benefits in accordance with federal and state regulations (e.g., IRS, DOL, ACA, FMLA, HIPAA), State Universities Retirement System (SURS), and Central Management Services (CMS).  

Supplemental Retirement Plan Fiduciary Oversight: Provides fiduciary oversight and administration of supplemental retirement programs (e.g., 403(b), 457 plans), ensuring compliance with applicable IRS and related standards (as applicable). Monitors plan governance, vendor performance, fee structures, and participant outcomes to ensure prudent management in the best interest of plan participants.  

Program Administration and Vendor Management: Oversees administration of all benefit programs and manages relationships with external vendors, consultants, and state agencies. Ensures service delivery meets contractual expectations and aligns with best practices.  

Benefits Communication and Employee Engagement Strategy: Designs and directs comprehensive communication strategies to promote awareness, understanding, and utilization of benefits. Oversees open enrollment processes, educational campaigns, and decision-support tools.

Operational Excellence and Process Improvement: Evaluates and improves benefits-related processes, workflows, and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service. Leads implementation of technology solutions in collaboration with IT and campus partners.

Leadership and Staff Development: Provides leadership, supervision, and development of benefits staff. Establishes performance expectations, ensures training and professional development, and fosters a high-performing, service-oriented team. 

Campus Collaboration and Advisory Role: Serves as a subject matter expert and advisor to HR leadership, campus administration, and departments on benefits-related matters. Collaborates with stakeholders to align benefits programs with workforce needs and institutional priorities. 

Continuous Improvement and Compliance Monitoring: Stays current on emerging trends, legislative changes, and best practices in employee benefits. Proactively recommends and implements improvements to ensure compliance and program effectiveness. 

Other Duties as Assigned: Performs additional duties as necessary to support the mission and operational needs of Human Resources and the University.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, including 2 years of supervisory experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education or public sector environment. Experience working with state-administered benefit programs (e.g., CMS, SURS). Experience managing Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, including tracking, eligibility determination, and IRS reporting (1094-C/1095-C). Experience with supplemental retirement plan administration and fiduciary responsibilities. Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits laws and regulations. Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Oracle, Banner, or similar). CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, or related certification.

Target salary range: $83,016.00 - $116,220.00 Annually. 
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.