Assoc Benefits Administrator

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Benefits, the Associate Benefits Administrator serves as a primary point of contact for employees navigating benefit programs, with particular emphasis on administering Northeastern's tuition remission program. This role combines strong customer service with an aptitude for technology, including emerging AI-enabled tools that support benefits workflows. The Associate Benefits Administrator also verifies and processes qualifying events, payroll deductions, and premium invoices, and contributes to a range of Benefits team projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career HR or benefits professional looking to build a career in Total Rewards at a leading research university. Candidates with prior internship, co-op, or entry-level experience in HR or benefits administration, along with a customer-first mindset and comfort with technology, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibility

Tuition Remission Program

• Serves as the primary contact for employees regarding the tuition remission/waiver benefit, providing clear guidance on eligibility and program provisions.
• Reviews, approves, and processes tuition waivers, and serves as liaison between employees and Student Accounts.
• Partners with university ITS support to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, ensuring the tuition waiver system runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Presents tuition waiver program details at undergraduate admissions presentations, open houses, and new employee orientations.

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Delivers responsive, empathetic customer service for a high volume of benefits-related questions from faculty and staff, using the HR ServiceNow CRM system, email, phone, and in-person support as the primary point of contact.
• Responds to and resolves complex benefits inquiries; partners with vendors and third-party administrators on enrollment, changes, and terminations.
• Tracks and maintains benefits for employees on unpaid leaves and long term disability; partners with various vendors and creates and sends correspondence to employees
• Verifies and/or approves qualifying events, benefit changes, and related payroll deductions for new hires, terminations, and current employees.
• Calculates and processes monthly premium invoices across medical, dental, life, and LTD insurance, as well as voluntary benefits (flexible spending accounts, auto, home, transit, etc.), ensuring timely and accurate wire transfers.
• Tracks and audits enrollment information and benefit continuation for employees on unpaid leave, coordinating with the direct billing administrator.
• Schedules and coordinates benefits events such as Open Enrollment meetings, Healthy You events, the annual Benefits Fair, and employee seminars.
• Supports the identification and adoption of technology and AI-enabled tools that streamline benefits workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance the employee experience.
• Prepares regular weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and audits to monitor transactions and ensure data integrity; partners cross-functionally to implement process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; benefits, HR, or related internship, co-op, or work experience preferred. Early-career candidates (1-3 years) with relevant coursework or applied experience are encouraged to apply.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate complex information clearly, calmly, and with discretion.
• Comfort learning and using technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support and streamline benefits workflows.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate Excel skills; exposure to a relational HRIS system (e.g., Workday) a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage sensitive and time-sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; able to multi-task and prioritize in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Position Type

Human Resources

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

106S

Expected Hiring Range:

$48,610.00 - $66,838.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.