Description

Lead a people-first benefits program that supports those who serve Avondale—join us as Benefits Manager and make a meaningful impact in public service!

This position will remain open until filled. 
The first review of applications will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and weekly thereafter.

Manages the day-to-day operational activities within the City’s Employee Benefits Programs for employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. These programs include multiple self-insured and fully insured health and welfare voluntary benefit programs, retirement plans, and leave programs.

Essential Functions:

• Leads the Benefits division and manages the day-to-day operations and staff of the City’s Employee Benefit, Leave, Retirement, and Wellness programs for employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. Ensures that programs, including absence and disability management (FMLA, ADA, etc.) and employee assistance services, align with the City’s core mission of Making Lives Better.
• Partners with brokers, agents, and other resources to identify the best programs for City employees. Develops long-term strategies for managing legally compliant employee benefit programs while maintaining compliance with City policy. Monitors and informs leadership on the potential impact of legislative proposals on the City-provided benefits. Manages third-party administrators/carriers responsible for plan claims and services.
• Monitors current benefit programs to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and/or enhancements. Develops, updates, and maintains all benefits program-related process documentation. Serves as a member of the Human Resources leadership team and supports improvements and implementations of Human Resources operations and systems.  
• Administers and supports the maintenance of the employee benefits budget. Prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations. Submits budget justifications for modifications to the employee benefit programs, monitors the City’s Stop-Loss Insurance Programs, and any related procurement activities (RFP, CPA, etc.).
• Recommends policies and procedures and reviews and recommends amendments to plan documents. Prepares various educational and promotional materials for City Council, City employees, and the Employee Benefits Trust Board.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment of employee benefit programs. Ensures all new hire, life events, and termination benefits changes and associated deductions are submitted accurately and timely. Maintains benefits records and documentation, verifies calculations and statistical data relative to premium, claims costs, and conducts audits to ensure accuracy of benefits deductions. Works with third-party support as needed to resolve complex coding and billing.
• Provides ongoing customer service to employees by answering benefits questions and addressing complex inquiries related to benefits policies and procedures. Educates employees regarding City-provided benefits programs and eligibility. Works with third-party support as needed to investigate and resolve coverage, claim, complex coding, administrative, and/or billing concerns.
• Acts as the City’s subject matter expert in employee pension and deferred compensation retirement programs, including Public Safety Retirement Safety Program (PSRSP), Elected Official Retirement Program (EORP), Correctional Officer Retirement Plan (CORP), and Arizona State Retirement Plan (ASRS). Monitors pension system enrollment, contributions, and applications for retirement.
• Manages the operations of board meetings, including the Employee Benefit Trust board, local retirement boards, and other employee committees. Oversees administrative services to the Boards and ensures meetings occur with expected regularity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.

Work requires broad knowledge in a technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college, resulting in a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a closely related field.  

Five (5) years of experience in managing a specialized human resources program or area of responsibility related to benefits and wellness management, preferably in a government or municipal environment.

An equivalent combination of education and job-related experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.

Three (3) years of supervisory experience is required.

Knowledge of ERISA, IRS, DOL, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA requirements as they relate to benefit administration of medical, mental health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, flexible spending, and health savings plans and programs. Knowledge of Arizona government employee pension systems and retirement plan programs, including Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans. Knowledge of leave and disability management requirements and best practices for administering FMLA, ADA, and Craig Tiger Act programs.

Knowledge and skill using HR technology to streamline processes and enhance user experience.

A valid Arizona Operator's Driver License is required.

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.