Vice President Of Benefits And Risk Management Services

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Administration - Operations

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas System

Since its inception, the University of Arkansas System has developed a tradition of excellence that includes the state's 1871 flagship, land-grant research university; Arkansas's premier institution for medical education, treatment and research; a major metropolitan university; an 1890 land-grant university; two regional universities serving southern and western Arkansas; five community colleges; two schools of law; a presidential school; a residential math and science high school; a 100 percent-online university and divisions of agriculture, archeology and criminal justice. The individual entities of the UA System maintain cooperative strength as well as diverse offerings that exhibit unmatched economic and social impact to the state.

The UA System provides communities in Arkansas with access to academic and professional opportunities, develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students and provides knowledge and research skills to an ever-changing society. The system enrolls more than 60,000 students, employs over 17,000 employees, and has a total budget of over $2 billion. An intrinsic part of the texture and fabric of Arkansas, the UA System is a driving force in the state's economic, educational and cultural advancement.

Department:

UA System Administration

Department's Website:

www.uasys.edu

Summary of Job Duties:

Position Description

The Vice President (VP) of Benefits and Risk Management Services is a cabinet position reporting directly to the University of Arkansas System President. The VP plans, manages, coordinates, and/or performs daily activities for a comprehensive range of benefits, with an emphasis on self-funded health and dental plans, retirement plans, and insured products. The VP is also responsible for risk management services and is the ultimate point of contact for topics ranging from property and casualty to vehicle fleet insurance and facilities maintenance.

This position requires an experienced HR professional able to function effectively with minimal direction. The VP position will be required to work full time onsite at the University's campus at 2404 North University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Primary Responsibilities

Approximately 60% of time is allocated in benefits, 20% in risk management, and 20% in human resources and general administration.

Human Resources Support

• Serve as a resource to campuses for a wide range of HR and benefits related Board Policies and compliance topics, and assist/advise campuses with matters involving employee relations, disciplinary processes, hiring and terminations.

• Provide HR guidance and decision assistance for smaller campuses.

• Provide support and guidance to management and other staff when specialized and sensitive issues or questions arise.

• Coordinate deferred compensation plan compliance and payments for the system President and other selected executives. Provide general information and follow-up to participants and to campus representatives.

• Prepare periodic reports for management and the Board, as necessary or requested.

Benefits

• Promote alignment and consistency of benefits, leave management, and retirement plans across the System and with University System policies.

• Manage, own and coordinate active and retiree benefits plans including self-funded medical and dental plans, disability, accident insurance, spending account administration, benefits eligibility, cost management, compliance, and coordinate the review of second level appeals.

• Confer with System office general counsel and campus chancellors, chief financial officers, chief human resources officers and benefits professionals regularly.

• Coordinate with Workday team on topics such as benefits enrollment, eligibility and reporting.

• Healthcare premium setting (navigating and considering consultant recommendations, campus budgets, and overall system environment).

• Manage Pharmacy Advisory Committee (University faculty and community physicians, pharmacists at the university's medical system, consultant pharmacist, and PBM).

• Coordinate all facets of the UAS retirement plan including administration and compliance, exceptions approvals, communications, and grievance resolution.

• Coordinate benefit vendors (UMR, Standard Insurance and others) activities with benefits and communications consultant (Segal).

• Coordinate retirement vendor (TIAA and Fidelity) activities, plan advisor (Cap Trust) projects, reporting, and local consultant.

• Manage system-wide Retirement Plan Advisory Committee.

• Provide guidance and act as a knowledge resource for Leave of Absence programs including paid and unpaid leaves, FML, and associated disciplinary actions.

Risk Management

• Manage fleet vehicle insurance coverage, evaluate renewals and plan options, coordinate claims, damage appraisals, repairs and payments as needed.

• Work with brokers, carrier representatives and others in coordinating property insurance programs, evaluating coverage options and pricing, and assisting campuses with insurance claims and coverage questions.

• Coordinate liability insurance and specialty property insurance coverage for events, gallery showings, leased properties and equipment, joint ventures, and out-of-state properties.

General

• Maintain the professional knowledge and skills required to perform all assigned responsibilities. including trends, best practices, regulatory changes and new technologies in human resources, benefits, risk management and applicable laws and regulations.

• Perform HR, benefits and risk management data analysis, budgeting, and cost projections.

• Ensure completion of all required HR, benefit and risk management regulatory compliance reporting (1095, No-gag clause, state level certifications of compliance, etc.), filings and communications.

• Direct a small unit of professionals at the System office dealing with benefits and risk management procurement activities.

• Oversee procurement processes for benefits and risk services while coordinating with consultants and proposal evaluation committees representing campuses throughout the System.

• Participate in the due diligence process related to new entities joining the System.

• Serve as primary contact for UAS Office and President's home for repairs, maintenance issues, and housekeeping services. Manage construction pricing proposals, contractor scheduling, and performance.

• Assume additional responsibilities as needed and perform assignments as directed by the University of Arkansas System President.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to be all encompassing of the activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

Job Specifications and Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of HR, benefits and/or risk management experience, with at least five (5) years of senior HR leadership experience required.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field is required with an advanced degree in finance, insurance, or business preferred.

• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), or Certified Risk Manager (CRM) certification highly desired.

• Thorough knowledge of HR policies and employment-related regulations required.

• Extensive employee benefits administration experience required, including experience in managing self-funded health plans and coordinating vendor and consultant relationships.

• Previous employment in the public sector and higher education preferred.

• Experience in a multi-location employer or multi-division employer environment is needed.

• Experience in property insurance, fleet vehicle insurance, and liability insurance is needed.

Additional Skills Required

• A professional with demonstrated leadership skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent judgment and strong work ethic;

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality;

• Effective communication skills (oral and written) and strong public relations skills;

• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills;

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;

• Innovative thinker and fast learner;

• Flexible, creative team player;

• Ability to multi-task, set priorities and work in a fast-paced environment; and

• Ability to network and collaborate with Chancellors and CFOs of other Higher Education institutions.

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Additional Information:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Char Brown

Associate Director for Employee Benefits & HR Support

CBrown@uasys.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, FBI Background Check, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Occasional Physical Activity:

Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes