The University of Maine System is accepting applications for a Benefits Specialist. This position coordinates and administers activities and duties related to employee benefits and retiree benefits to ensure compliance with UMS policies, federal and state leave regulations (such as the Family Medical Leave Act, ADA, etc.), union contracts and non-represented handbooks, as well as relative benefit plan documents. The work location is on the Bangor campus of the University of Maine at Augusta with the option to work remotely for the right candidate. The annual salary range is in the low to mid $40's and commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications plus a 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan. Additional benefits (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IQFYgBYIM366zqCjqFSj3esRuVCg-LDP/view?usp=sharing) include medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents. The UMS is a recipient of the Wellness Councils of America’s Well Workplace Award and offers a wellness program. Review of applications begins immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by November 8, 2024. Complete Job Description (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rv1LSltUWUvM9f3az0J817Eko2rkCGka/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110440131131110993671&rtpof=true&sd=true) . Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications: Required: + Working knowledge of retirement plans (both defined contribution and defined benefit plans), health and wellness benefits, including retiree health/Medicare. + Working knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations affecting leave programs including FMLA and state leave laws and ADA. + Ability to make proactive and well-informed decisions which consider the impacts and implications for compliance with UMS policies and external regulations. + Ability to assess and ba lance the needs for compliance; readily able to adjust priorities to respond to pressing and changing demands. + Ability to work professionally with sensitive, proprietary data and information while maintaining confidentiality. + Ability to understand and resolve complex data, file integration, and record keeping issues. + Ability to exercise sound judgment in responding to inquiries; understands when to route inquiries to the next level. + Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience. + Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals at all levels; both internal and external. + Experience working within established policies, procedures and practices of an organization. + Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail. Preferred: + Five years’ experience in working with employee benefits. + Experience working in higher education with multiple unions. + Experience working with employees on sensitive issues involving financial, health, and disability concerns. How To Apply Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now”. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: + A cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position + A resume/curriculum vitae Important items to know about the recruitment process: + Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by November 8, 2024. + Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. + Only complete application materials can be considered. + Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references. + The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings. + We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship. In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity, or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). About the University of Maine System The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS (https://www.maine.edu/strategic-plan/) and the state of Maine. Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website (https://visitmaine.com/plan-your-visit/relocating-to-maine) .