Job Details

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Director Benefits and Retirement Administration is responsible for managing the performance of the College’s self funded medical plan, fully funded group benefits programs and serving as a liaison and key contact between the between the Plan Sponsor (NWACC) and the Plan Administrator (TIAA 403 (b)) In this role, the director analyzes benefit plan(s) performance, assesses risk, ensures state and federal compliance, and develops and implements benefit solutions.
This position manages and directs the Third-Party Administrator (TPA), Pharmacy Benefits Manger (PBM), Pharmacy Overlay Program, Stop Loss Carrier and broker management for the NWACC self-funded medical program and fully funded group benefits programs (dental, vision, short-term, long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending plan).
This position also serves as the College’s relationship coordinator between the Plan Sponsor (NWACC) and the Plan Administrator (TIAA 403 (b))

Benefits Administration

• Advises, consults, develops and executes short-term and long-range health care plans and initiatives and program offerings based on health care industry trends, College’s goals, and potential risk assessment. 
• Evaluates and analyzes the results of programs and services regularly and systematically; reports these results to the Vice President Finance and Administration and the College Cabinet including potential risk(s) loss and claims control, budgets, profits and loss, special projects, etc.
• Reviews and analyzes the benefits market to determine employee needs, trends, regulations and practices, and develops competitive programs and services to meet College’s goals.
• Establishes and maintains long-term networking relationships and centers of influence through active involvement and participation in business, social, community and political arenas, boards or activities.
• Prepares and monitors department budget.
• Plans and directs the implementation and administration of benefits programs designed to ensure employees against loss of income due to illness, injury or retirement.
• Directs preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits programs such Open Enrollment Guides, New Hire Benefit Guides, posters, flyers, etc. in support of employee education across all benefits plans.
• Plans the modification of existing benefits programs.
• Directs support functions in providing customer service, information records, claims, etc.

• Assures compliance with provisions of all State and Federal laws. 
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of reports and applications required by State and Federal agencies, including but not limited to, the Bureau of Legislative Audit, Arkansas Insurance Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and other regulatory agencies.
• Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.

Retirement Plan Administration

• Acquires and distributes relevant information and documentation to plan participants.
• Serves as a liaison between participants and the plan administrator, handling or facilitating requests for loans, retirement counseling and questions, contribution adjustments, refunds, and other administrative changes.
• Coordinates with actuaries, plan administrators, and other professionals to provide verified and compiled data for administration of benefits.
• Coordinates information between retirement plan providers account representatives, (TIAA) the College (plan sponsor), investment advisors and the College’s Retirement Advisory Committee. 
• Assists with open enrollment for retiree insurance benefits.
• Ensures retirement plans are administered in accordance with State and Federal laws, ERISA guidelines and regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory changes, trends, and other developments affecting retirement benefits.

Rate of Pay: Commensurate with education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of benefit principles, laws, and regulations and technical knowledge of benefits functional areas
• Project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with attention to detail
• Research and data management skills; demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and summarize data and make recommendations.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Effective interpersonal skills, a customer-service focus, and the ability to work as a member in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency and competency in the use of Excel and Word programs and the ability to extract information from the human resource information system using reporting tools.
• Computer Skills (Microsoft Office products, strong in Excel)
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Self-motivator who maintains confidentiality and professionalism

Physical Demands/Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Self starter and self manager.

• Excellent time management skills and ability to plan and set priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of all federal, state and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee benefits.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and communicate data.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.
• Five years of related experience in an HR leadership role.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential.
• CEBS certification.
• Higher education experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.