to top

Compensation & Benefits Specialist

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD 57197

Posted/Updated: 13 days ago

Job Description

Augustana University invites applications for a Compensation & Benefits Specialist within the Human Resources department. This full-time position will research, collect, analyze and prepare wage and salary data for compensation decision making purposes. This position will also develop, implement, and oversee Augustana University benefit plans
related to communication, enrollment and processing.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Compensation

  • Study current organizational wage and salary data.
  • Develop and design compensation packages and policies that align with the university’s strategic goals.
  • Research and compare compensation plans offered by demographically comparable universities. Make recommendations for enhancements or improvements required to keep Augustana’s wages competitive.
  • Oversee competitive analysis, merit increases and salary structure.
  • Collect, analyze, and communicate data to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage and adjust internal reward practices (salary bands, promotions, pay changes) based on market practice/development, benchmark results and university needs.
  • Conduct position audits, analyze and evaluate jobs using established evaluation system and recommend action concerning appropriate classification and pay level.
  • Participate in salary and benefit surveys and provide market analysis/benchmarking of the exiting practices.
  • Prepare faculty Letters of Appointment creation and staff salary notification letters.

Benefits

  • Participate in surveys, censuses, and other research and demographic efforts required to collect accurate quotes from benefit providers.
  • Identify and select carriers and plans based on quotes, available benefits and prior experience.
  • Maintain knowledge of trends, developments and best practices within benefits administration.
  • Responsible for ensuring benefit programs meet the needs of employees, legal requirements and that the selected programs are fiscally responsible.
  • Develop and design presentations for benefit programs and manage benefit enrollment from start to finish.
  • Respond to benefit inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefit enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
  • Work with carriers in resolving claim or coverage issues.
  • Ensure the accuracy of all benefit enrollments to vendors and perform quality checks of benefits-related data.
  • Ensure plan compliance with applicable provisions of COBRA, HIPPA, ERISA, etc.
  • Complete records, reporting, surveys, and other documentation required by federal, state and provider rules, regulations and policies.
  • Maintain monthly benefits reconciliation including monthly bill audits.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related discipline. Equivalent experience is considered.
  • Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Google Suite.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of employee compensation and benefits in relation to applicable laws is preferred.
  • Prior experience of effective compensation and benefit practices and protocols in higher education is preferred.

Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants are asked to complete the below application materials. These application materials are to be sent electronically to humanresources@augie.edu. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please contact liz.vanwesten@augie.edu

  • Letter of interest
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Augustana University employment application
  • Statement of Diversity
  • Contact information for at least three references 

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Augustana University is committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community. Submission of official transcripts may be
required upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.

Augustana University
Elizabeth Van Westen
Human Resources
2001 S Summit Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
605-274-4110