Benefits and Vendor Advisor, Ancillary Programs

Job Summary: Responsible for analysis and administration of benefit programs(s). Manage vendor relationships and identify opportunities for plan improvements and cost savings. Position Description: The Health and Welfare team sits within the department of Total Rewards. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Benefits & Retirement Strategy and plays a key role in ensuring the ancillary benefit program administration is in compliance with design and contract provisions. This position works closely with Benefits colleagues and the Total Reward Customer Service, Operations and Finance teams to mitigate escalations by faculty and staff and manage health and welfare processes. This role also completes data requests to aid or identify utilization opportunities for plan design modifications, new programs and process improvements. This position would also have oversight of the Unemployment insurance process. Responsibilities: Plays a key role in the management of ancillary benefits, and the Unemployment Insurance process. Coordinate and follow up vendor management activities for ancillary benefits: hosting regular service meetings, maintaining issues log, working with the vendors to ensure timely resolution of problems, and communicating status and decisions to appropriate BCW teams. Assist in the design of new processes and procedures to improve efficiency and participant experience, working directly with relevant BCW teams and with our vendor partners. Collaborate with team members from BCW in the development, and implementation of plans. Project lead for implementations or changes to current plans/vendors. Develop and maintain reporting needs for BCW Finance and ensure communications among teams for transparent and timely knowledge updates. Respond to data requests for union negotiations. Conduct internal benefits audits and provide guidance to teams for changes. Be a participant on Request for Proposal (RFP) team for current and new benefit requests, as requested and possibly be a team lead. Other duties as assigned. Typical Core Duties: Administer and review benefit programs(s); develop, document and implement all administrative processes and procedures and provide input to plan changes. Serve as vendor manager for select benefit programs; facilitate meetings, review and approve invoices, manage claims processes, etc. Review and analyze reports, identify trends and ways to reduce claims; recommend plan improvements and cost savings. Assist employees with benefits program(s) including claims processing and customer service issues. Identify trends in customer service inquiries and develop processes to address and mitigate concerns. Develop and foster relationships with local HR and Faculty Affairs staff to ensure benefit programs are administered appropriately. Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements and applicable legal regulations. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required Minimum of 5 years’ relevant benefits experience Additional Qualifications and Skills: Proven analytical and numeric skills Project and program management experience Strong and current working knowledge of ERISA and related state and Federal laws and regulations Collaborative vendor management style Understands organizational complexity and shifting priorities and incorporates knowledge into program design and management Demonstrates insight and creativity and offers options and solutions when approaching issues or problems Is proactive in identification and communication of issues or barriers Effective communication and influential skills, both written and oral, with the ability to share information and ideas clearly and concisely with a range of audiences. Strong interpersonal skills Advance level of Microsoft Excel for analysis PeopleSoft and Service Now Case experience preferred Ability to maintain a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail. Demonstrated commitment to organizational values including diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. High level of professionalism necessary, with the ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education Orientation and Review Period: 90 days Working Conditions: This is a five day per week position with a hybrid schedule. Ability to have an on-campus presence for a minimum of once a month and as required for larger meetings is a requirement of the role. Work is performed in an office setting. Additional details pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, IL, NH, NY, RI, VA, VT, WA) Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page . EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.