Benefits Analyst
Apply NowCompany: Stanford University
Location: Redwood City, CA 94061
Description:
Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Stanford University Human Resources (UHR) is seeking a highly skilled Benefits Analyst within the University Human Resources Benefits Department. Reporting to the Senior Director of Benefits, the Benefits Analyst will provide essential analytical and operational support in the administration of Stanford's comprehensive employee benefit plans. This position is responsible for delivering and maintaining standardized services and solutions while addressing complex benefit plan support needs. Key duties include conducting thorough reviews of benefit plan documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance, analyzing administrative practices, managing eligibility and contribution appeals, overseeing external vendor performance, and delivering employee-facing presentations. The Benefits Analyst will also coordinate critical financial processes related to benefit plan funding, premium payments, and audits, while reviewing and developing benefit communications to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with plan provisions.
We are open to a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of onsite and work from home). The number of days may occasionally fluctuate subject to business need, but the expectation is that this position will be onsite a minimum of 2 days/week. The onsite work location is Stanford Redwood City Campus, 505 Broadway, Redwood City, California but travel to the Stanford Campus, Stanford, California will be required at times.
JOB PURPOSE:
Provides analytical and operational support. Act as a resource, deliver and maintain standardized solutions/services and respond to benefit plan support needs.
CORE DUTIES*:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
WORKING CONDITIONS:
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Stanford University Human Resources (UHR) is seeking a highly skilled Benefits Analyst within the University Human Resources Benefits Department. Reporting to the Senior Director of Benefits, the Benefits Analyst will provide essential analytical and operational support in the administration of Stanford's comprehensive employee benefit plans. This position is responsible for delivering and maintaining standardized services and solutions while addressing complex benefit plan support needs. Key duties include conducting thorough reviews of benefit plan documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance, analyzing administrative practices, managing eligibility and contribution appeals, overseeing external vendor performance, and delivering employee-facing presentations. The Benefits Analyst will also coordinate critical financial processes related to benefit plan funding, premium payments, and audits, while reviewing and developing benefit communications to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with plan provisions.
We are open to a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of onsite and work from home). The number of days may occasionally fluctuate subject to business need, but the expectation is that this position will be onsite a minimum of 2 days/week. The onsite work location is Stanford Redwood City Campus, 505 Broadway, Redwood City, California but travel to the Stanford Campus, Stanford, California will be required at times.
JOB PURPOSE:
Provides analytical and operational support. Act as a resource, deliver and maintain standardized solutions/services and respond to benefit plan support needs.
CORE DUTIES*:
- Conducts or coordinates annual comprehensive review of benefit plan documentation to ensure the language and provisions are current and reflect benefit plan practices. Analyzes gaps and/or items requiring consideration and takes the initiative to determine solutions.
- Compare administration practices with plan documents, coverage certificates, and participation.
- Reviews initial and second level appeals relating to benefit plan eligibility and/or contributions and makes a determination based on the provisions set forth in the plan documentation and the circumstances of the participant. Determines potential risk and to benefit plan compliance.
- Ensures that all contracts are accounted for and current. May manage external vendors to ensure service delivery and problem resolution.
- Coordinate information for Fringe budget management; coordinate data gathering for audits; oversight of benefit plan claims funding and premium payment. Assist in preparing financial information to the Fringe office for audits.
- Receive financial reporting from external vendors and consultants and reviews for accuracy. Provides oversight and coordinates payment of benefit plan premiums directly to carriers and monitors cash flow activity to ensure correct accounts are debited and credited.
- Reviews benefit plan communications for accuracy and clarity. Create new communications as needed.
- Delivers presentations to employees for new hire benefits orientation and Open Enrollment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, Internal Revenue Codes (as they apply to health and welfare plans), and other statutes governing employer sponsored benefit plans.
- Comfortable working knowledge of accounting functions and the ability to evaluate benefit plan budgets.
- Experience with evaluating benefit plan documentation and benefit communication strategies, including composition, review and revision.
- Ability to analyze complex situations (i.e. benefit issues, appeals, administrative issues), identify workable solutions/alternatives and make appropriate determinations and/or recommendations resulting in minimal risk.
- Ability to work effectively, prioritize and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume environment, and to complete job tasks in a timely manner.
- Ability to quickly absorb and learn new concepts and new software programs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to interpret and communicate policies effectively.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and deal with ambiguity and willingly explore alternatives and exceptions.
- Presentation and public speaking skills.
- Strong computer skills such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a computer, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
- Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
- Rarely kneel/crawl.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, the ability to audit a course, join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
- Schedule: Full-time
- Job Code: 4641
- Employee Status: Regular
- Grade: G
- Requisition ID: 106122
- Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible