Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Johnson University invites applications for a full-time Payroll & Benefits Administrator for the Tennessee campus. Successful candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree, at least 3-5 years of progressively responsible human resource experience, demonstrated skills and abilities in written and verbal communication and organization, and a whole-hearted embrace of the mission, vision, and values of Johnson University.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional contacts via email to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will remain open until filled.  Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply before December 1, 2019.

General Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, the Payroll & Benefits Administrator will provide leadership and competent management of university policies and all procedures related to payroll and benefits for the university system and Tennessee campus. The position may provide advice and support to University leadership regarding other human resources areas, including but not limited to employment practices, employee relations, training and development, and performance management. The position will serve as the University authority on applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to employment practices, compensation/payroll, benefits, and record retention. The position requires the highest level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Administer all employee benefit programs, including, but not limited to: healthcare insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, supplemental voluntary insurances, tuition remission and exchange, paid time off, leaves of absences, and retirement savings plans.
  • Conduct open enrollment meetings for new hires and annually for continuing employees.
  • Serve on the insurance committee and as liaison and advocate between the University/its employees and insurance brokers and private insurance carriers to select the benefit plans, manage an efficient enrollment process, and help resolve issues as needed.
  • Under supervision from the Vice President for Finance, manage the payroll budgets and payroll processes for semi-monthly and bi-weekly payrolls, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processes and procedures.
  • Maintain employee personnel records both within hard-copy files and institutional databases.
  • Submit institutional data for internal and external reports and surveys (e.g., IPEDS, CUPA-HR, DOL).
  • Manage and support the on-boarding process for new hires and the termination process for employees leaving the university.
  • Maintain the Johnson University Employee Handbook, updating and revising the policies when needed and/or as directed by University administration; communicate handbook policies and procedures to employees through various forms (e.g., in-person, emails, and official memos).
  • Interpret and apply federal and state regulations and laws appropriately and in a manner that is consistent with university policies and procedures (e.g., ACA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, etc.).

Education, Training, and/or Related Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required (master’s preferred), preferably in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or related field
  • At least three to five years of progressively responsible Human Resource experience, with preference given to individuals with experience in higher education and/or HRCI or SHRM Certification
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to employment practices, compensation/payroll, benefits, and record retention. Knowledge of employment laws includes but is not limited to ACA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, etc.

Skills Requirements

  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) and institutional databases
  • Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Comfortable within leadership roles and public speaking situations
  • Uses high level of judgment, maintains confidentiality, and appropriately handles sensitive communications with employees
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Working Conditions

This position is primarily sedentary, working at a desk in a climate-controlled office.  The administrator will need to maintain regular business office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or as needed.

About Johnson University

For over 125 years, Johnson University has been a leader among historic faith-based colleges and contemporary fiscally-responsible universities.  Johnson is on Forbes “100 Most Financially Fit Colleges,” and #3 on “Best Value Christian Colleges.” The university offers over 80 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs on our Kissimmee, FL, Knoxville, TN, and online campuses.  Johnson’s vision to bring glory to God and hope to the world is rooted in our deep historic commitment to the values of Christian community.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for “Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.” Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability–if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship—in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions on the basis of religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University’s religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.