Looking to make an impact where it truly matters?

Join the Benefits team within Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Human Resources and play a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff.

This is an opportunity for a detail-oriented, service-driven professional to serve as a trusted benefits expert—helping ensure our community has access to comprehensive, compliant, and well-communicated benefit programs that support every stage of their careers and lives.

Reporting to the Manager of Health and Welfare Benefits, the Benefits Administrator is primarily responsible for the administration of university faculty and staff benefit programs, including Unemployment Compensation, International Travel, Tuition, COBRA Administration and the processing of invoices for all benefit programs. The Benefits Administrator is the benefit subject matter expert for assigned benefit processes and is required to maintain excellent knowledge of benefit programs.

The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA and federal and state regulations, and understanding how legislative changes impact University benefit programs. In addition, the position is responsible for the creation and generation of benefit plan reports from financial and HRIS systems. The position coordinates programs with outside service providers and assists in the preparation and distribution of various employee benefit communications, including employee presentations as the need arises.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Tuition Administration: Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Tuition Benefit program including the determination of eligibility, processing of claims, and addressing of employee questions and concerns.
• Invoicing: Oversees the processing of invoices for all benefit programs. Ensures payments are made timely and accurately. Is fully versed in the operation and use of CMU financial systems.
• Administration: Ensures benefit programs are coordinated accurately, timely and efficiently. Provides dedicated customer service support to internal and external customers. Serves as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes
• Unemployment Compensation (UC): Reviews claims, maintains UC database to audit charges and reconcile monthly UC invoices. Works with the Office of General Counsel, HR Managers, and departments on confidential termination agreements that may affect UC.
• Communication: Develops, distributes, and maintains employee benefit communications and materials. Delivers employee presentations, such as new hire orientation.
• Benefits Reporting: Creates and generates benefit plan reports from CMU and vendor systems.
• Open Enrollment: Assists with the execution of annual Open Enrollment from inception to end including system testing, preparation of communication materials, employee counseling, and year-end enrollment activities. Assists with the planning and coordination of Benefits and Fitness Fair held in conjunction with Open Enrollment.
• COBRA Administration: Oversees the COBRA reporting and enrollment processes, annual COBRA Open Enrollment, and ongoing administration of COBRA processes and procedures.
• International Travel: Tracks eligibility, and utilization, and provides travel documentation to employees.
• Systems testing: Participates in ongoing benefits and human resources systems testing.
• Special Projects: Works on special projects as needed. Assists with process and system audits. Prepares, submits, and analyzes data from various industry and national benefit surveys. Understand the role of other teams and cross-train duties and responsibilities as needed. Attends required meetings and participates in various seminars and training classes to maintain and update skills and knowledge as needed. Keeps current on related legal and regulatory issues affecting benefits.
• Compliance: Leads compliance with policies, plan documents, ERISA and federal and state regulations, including compliance responsibilities for process documentation and controls.
• Audit/Reconciliation: Audits the accuracy and performance of functions performed by other team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Ability to pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work with sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• A strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Google Suite products (Google Slides, Sheets, Forms etc.)

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, communications, psychology, or a related field is required.
• 1-3 years of benefit administration experience required.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a complex, matrixed organization with varied business units and decentralized processes
• Certifications a plus - CEBS – Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, ISCEBS – International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, CBP – Certified Benefits Professional

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Work Posture: This position is currently operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days/week.
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Benefits

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: