Employee Benefits Program Manager

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.Pay Range:$90,941.93 - $136,413.14 AnnualDepartment:Department of County Management (DCM)Job Type:Regular Non-RepresentedExemption Status:United States of America (Exempt)Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):The Opportunity:This recruitment is will remain open until filled, with a first review date of applications on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Candidates are encouraged to apply without delay.About the Position:The Multnomah County Benefits Office provides a generous and comprehensive benefits program to our employees. The Benefits Office aims to help members get the most out of employee benefits: whether going in for yearly check-ups, getting a massage, starting a new family, getting ready to retire, going on medical or family leave - the Benefits Office is here to help.The Employee Benefits Program Manager is responsible for managing employee benefit and wellness programs for the County''s approximately 6,000 employees. This position requires the knowledge, skills and abilities to independently administer established benefit/wellness/leave policies and programs; make significant policy decisions; interpret conflicting regulations and interests; and maintain compliance with legal requirements, bargaining agreements, personnel rules, County mandates, and vendor contracts - all while keeping the diverse needs of our employees in the forefront. This role will design and develop enhancements to the programs available and operate within the budgetary constraints of the public sector environment.This position is responsible for:* Managing the County''s Employee Benefits/Leave Administration team (9-14) both directly and through subordinate manager(s) to ensure plans and programs operate consistently.* Managing vendor relations and contracts with insurance vendors; renegotiating vendor contracts as required; generating RFPs in accordance with County procurement rules;* Maintaining compliance with Federal and State requirements for health and welfare plans which may include annual filings, notices and payments of required assessments.* Assisting senior management and labor relations in development of bargaining strategies as they pertain to benefits; serving on the benefit bargaining committee for the County* Providing consulting services to all County departments regarding benefits;* Performing oversight and financial management of the Benefits/Wellness budget.* Monitoring expenditures and funding. Analyzing statistical data from all plans, developing reporting tools from data and preparing trend analysis to make recommendations for benefit plan design, plan options and cost reduction for future benefit plan changes.* Researching, designing, developing, bidding, and launching programs as directed by County management in accordance with requests from bargaining units and/or elected officials.* Ensuring production and sharing of concise communications for all benefit needs.The Ideal Candidate* Demonstrated commitment and passion for managing and delivering a comprehensive benefits program.* An understanding of and experience with all applicable benefits and leave programs: medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, retiree plans, employee assistance programs, FMLA/OFLA Administration, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, etc.* Experience with providing support for benefits-related subjects of bargaining in union negotiations. Familiarity with the Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA).* Able to clearly communicate with all levels of stakeholders in multiple formats, verbal, written, web postings, formal and informal presentations.* Experience managing change within a complex organizational structure.* Proven effective leadership skills including the ability to inspire, engage and develop others.* Results-driven orientation with a demonstrated ability to develop strategies, plans, research and programs that utilize best practices in the field.* Commitment to equity and experience applying an equity lens / framework to the benefits programs.About Multnomah CountyMultnomah County is Oregon''s geographically smallest, but most densely populated county, home to eight economically and culturally diverse cities, including Portland. The County partners with hundreds of agencies and nonprofits to prioritize those most in need and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all.Every day, Multnomah County works to ensure that our community is a place where anyone can access the help they need, our most vulnerable neighbors are protected and everyone can find pathways to thrive. So together, our dedicated employees and partners show up and meet community members where they are to make our neighborhoods safer, our kids healthier, our families more stable and Multnomah County a more just and equitable home for everyone.To Qualify:We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.Minimum Qualifications* Bachelor''s degree - in lieu of a degree we will consider equivalent related experience* Three (3) years experience managing benefits administration for a large organization* Leadership experience that includes providing direct management and supervision of a team* Process improvement and creative problem solving* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders, candidates and staff.* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace applicationsPreferred Qualifications* Experience in the public sector and with collective bargaining agreements.* Experience in WorkdayCOVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: To protect the health of the community and employees, Multnomah County requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious exception as a qualification of employment.The rule applies to all employees, as allowable by law. Candidates who receive an offer of County employment must provide proof of vaccination upon hire or submit an exception request prior to their start date.Screening and Evaluation:Application Packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application.* A completed online application* An uploaded resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision (if applicable).* An uploaded cover letter that expands on your resume and addresses how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position.The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:* Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.* Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.* Reference checks: All finalists must pass a thorough professional reference check.Total Compensation and Additional Information:The annual hiring range for this position is $90,941-136,413. Multnomah County is an excellent employer offering an outstanding benefit package including health, dental, disability and life insurance; HRA VEBA 1% contribution, defined benefit pension; 6% of salary contribution to retirement paid by the County; work-life balance; annual public transit pass; vacation and sick leave. Annual cost-of- living and merit increases are available. For more information about Multnomah County benefits please visit web.multco.us/benefits/new-hire-benefitsThis position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The onsite work location for this position is at the Multnomah Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214. This salaried executive position is not eligible for overtimeDiversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don''t just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.Veterans'' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans'' preference. Review our veterans'' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.Questions?Recruiter:Jenny O''MearaEmail::+1 (503) 9887571 x87571Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.Job Profile:9621 - Human Resources Manager 2

Created: 2025-11-15