Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Academy of Art University is seeking an experienced Human Resources Benefits Manager to oversee employee health, welfare, and 401(k) benefit programs. The role manages daily benefits administration, compliance, audits, enrollment, billing, vendor partnerships, and process improvements while providing leadership and support to HR staff.
Responsibilities
- Act as subject matter expert for ACA, San Francisco Healthcare Security Ordinance, and University procedures
- Oversee compliance activities, including IRS 5500 reporting, 401(k) plan audits, non-discrimination testing, ACA reporting, and Medicare Part D notices
- Manage all 401(k) plan operations: enrollments, loans, distributions, and vendor partnerships
- Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, contributions, and repayments
- Conduct monthly enrollment reconciliations across medical, dental, vision, life, COBRA, FSAs, and other plans
- Review, approve, and coordinate timely payment of benefit plan billing
- Lead annual Open Enrollment, including planning, system configuration, employee communications, and vendor integrations
- Maintain benefit plan documents, employee notices, and regulatory filings
- Recommend and implement process improvements and benefit strategies aligned with the University’s mission
Skills
- Experience managing a benefits program, including budget responsibility, in a for-profit organization
- Strong computer skills, including HRIS (Workday strongly preferred) and advanced Excel is a must
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills
- Strong attention to detail with proven auditing and compliance experience
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to work across all organizational levels
- Track record of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and federal/state regulations (HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, 401(k), Section 125)
- Customer service mindset with strong problem-solving and partnership skills
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing business needs in a remote environment
- This is a fully remote role, candidates must be able to work 8am to 5pm (PST)
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401k options
- Paid vacation based on years of service (15 days' accrual at start)
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Commuter benefit program
- Full-time employees may take one undergraduate course tuition free each semester
- Fully remote role
Company Overview