UWMIL University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Compensation

Full Description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Benefits Specialist I (Inst) Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Benefits Specialist I (Inst) Job Duties: School/College/Division Description Employees at UWM in the Department of Human Resources work in an innovative, collaborative, and casual-work environment with flexible work/life balance schedules. If you are a motivated, results-oriented individual who wants to make a real difference with our team, community, and the campus, we encourage you to apply! Key Job Responsibilities: Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing complex benefit information Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and recommends changes to leadership Receives, processes, and audits benefit enrollments and changes according to established policies and procedures Receives, responds to, and resolves complex employee benefits questions, feedback and problems from employees, HR leadership, and campus partners through various mediums Advises current and prospective employees and human resources staff on benefit eligibility, options, and applicable timelines according to established policies and procedures Researches eligibility and enrollment rules, plan documents, contract statutes, and administrative codes to provide correct benefit resources and materials to human resources professionals and employees Develops and facilitates employee benefit trainings and associated resources and materials Job Description The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in supporting the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee community by delivering accurate, timely, and comprehensive benefits guidance to employees, human resources partners, and campus stakeholders. This position ensures employees understand benefit eligibility, options, and enrollment processes while maintaining compliance with university, state, and system policies. Serving as a trusted resource and subject matter expert, the Benefits Specialist contributes to an effective, employee-centered benefits program through collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in benefits administration and service delivery. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Receives, responds to, and resolves complex employee benefits questions, feedback and problems from employees, HR leadership, and campus partners through various mediums Advises current and prospective employees and human resources staff on benefit eligibility, options, and applicable timelines according to established policies and procedures Researches eligibility and enrollment rules, plan documents, contract statutes, and administrative codes to provide correct benefit resources and materials to human resources professionals and employees Develops and facilitates employee benefit trainings and associated resources and materials Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing complex benefit information Receives, processes, and audits benefit enrollments and changes according to established policies and procedures Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and recommends changes to leadership Perform other duties as assigned Additional Information: This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Selected candidates will be required to complete an I-9 form to verify eligibility to work in the U.S. Hybrid work arrangements may be available. Primary work will be conducted on the UW-Milwaukee campus, with remote work requests considered after the initial training period. Details will be discussed during the interview process. Minimum Qualifications At least two (2) years of professional experience in human resources, benefits administration, or a closely related functional area Demonstrated experience providing employee-facing consultation or customer support requiring interpretation and application of policies, procedures, or program rules Demonstrated ability to interpret benefit eligibility, enrollment rules, and/or plan provisions and clearly explain them to employees or other stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field Hands-on experience administering one or more employee benefit programs (e.g., health, dental, vision, retirement, or leave programs) Experience using enterprise HR or benefits systems for benefits administration, audits, reporting, or data analysis (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, Benefitfocus or similar systems) Knowledge of employee benefits administration practices and compliance requirements, including exposure to statutory, contractual, or regulatory frameworks Demonstrated experience handling confidential or sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment Experience working in a higher education, public sector, or other large, complex organizational environment Target Salary Range $52,000 to $57,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on knowledge, skills, and experience) Applications Instructions Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide: A cover letter addressing your education/experience as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications A resume In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Apply electronically by the application deadline date of January 20, 2026. Questions about this position should be directed to Angelee Vang at vangap@uwm.edu. Reasonable Accommodations Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy. Employment Authorization In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. At UWM, we are committed to creating positive employee experiences, so our team members are able to thrive and excel in their work. UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information (Compensation figures are for example purposes only).