Senior Executive Benefits Partner

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

60 Corporate Woods, Suite 310, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100996 Total Rewards-Benefits

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 112

Compensation Range:

$70,600.00 - $105,800.00

Responsibilities:

The Senior Executive Benefits Partner for Faculty Programs serves as the subject matter expert on executive benefit programs as well as faculty benefits and leave programs. This role provides consultative support to faculty, Dean’s Offices, and Faculty Affairs leaders, ensuring accurate interpretation and consistent application of benefits-related programs.

The position operates within a defined scope focused on benefits and leave and works in close partnership with Faculty Affairs, HR Business Partners, Leave Administration and Office of Counsel to deliver coordinated, compliant, and high quality support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administration of Executive Benefit Programs

• Manage vendor relationships for all Executive Benefit Programs.
• Serve as the primary expert on executive benefits and provide guidance and support to participating executives.
• Oversee administrative processes for executive benefits such as communications, financial remittances, and legal compliance of the plans.
• Support data requests and reviews for annual contribution setting by senior leadership/BOT and for compliance purposes (Form 990 reporting).

Benefits & Leave Advisory

• Serve as the primary expert on faculty benefits and leave programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs (e.g., 403b, 457b, etc.), and leave and disability-related programs.
• Provide guidance on eligibility, enrollment, and the impact of employment changes on benefits and leave.
• Interpret and apply policies to ensure consistent and compliant administration across academic units.
• Resolve complex issues and inform program improvements in conjunction with Total Rewards leadership.

Faculty Transitions & Retirement

• Advise faculty and administrators on benefits and leave implications related to key career transitions, including:
• Changes in appointment status (e.g., full-time to part-time)
• Phased retirement or reduced effort arrangements
• Transition from active employment to retirement
• Ensure faculty understand available options, timing considerations, and the impact of decisions on benefits coverage.
• Coordinate with Faculty Affairs and HR Business Partners to support a seamless transition experience while maintaining clear role boundaries.

Partnership Model & Role Clarity

• Operate within a defined service model in partnership with:
• Faculty Affairs (faculty policy, appointments, governance)
• HR Business Partners (employee relations and organizational context)
• Total Rewards (benefits program design and policy ownership)
• Maintain clear boundaries by focusing on benefits and leave while ensuring appropriate handoffs for matters outside scope.
• Contribute benefits expertise in cross-functional discussions without assuming ownership of non-benefits issues.

Faculty Support & Communication

• Serve as a resource for faculty and administrators seeking guidance on benefits and leave.
• Develop and maintain clear, consistent benefits-related language for faculty communications, including:
• Offer and appointment materials (as applicable to benefits)
• Retirement and transition communications
• Support the creation of faculty-facing resources that improve understanding of benefits and leave options.

Faculty Senate Benefits Committee Support

• Serve as a liaison to the Faculty Senate Benefits Committee by: o Preparing and presenting benefits-related data, trends, and updates
• Providing subject matter expertise on programs and proposed changes
• Supporting analysis of faculty feedback and emerging needs
• Align committee engagement with institutional strategy and governance processes.

Program Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Identify trends and recurring issues related to faculty benefits and leave.
• Recommend improvements to programs, processes, and communications in partnership with Faculty Affairs.
• Contribute to tools and guidance that enhance consistency and clarity across the institution.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or equivalent and 3 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in benefits, HR, or faculty affairs within a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits and leave programs, including retirement and disability-related programs.
• Experience interpreting policies and advising on complex scenarios.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a cross-functional service model.
• Experience supporting faculty populations or working within higher education preferred.
• Familiarity with academic environments and faculty appointment structures preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.