Human Resources Benefits Administrator

Role Overview

The Human Resources Benefits Administrator based at UMGC Administrative Headquarters in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is responsible for managing daily operations of employee benefit programs for personnel located across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This role acts as a key operational intermediary between employees, management, Payroll, Finance, HR Systems, and benefit vendors to guarantee accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of various health, retirement, and related benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate tracking of medical and dental clearance paperwork for staff assigned to CENTCOM/AFRICOM areas in partnership with designated medical vendors, ensuring compliance with military rules, GDPR, and HIPAA.
• Manage communication and administration of mandatory and voluntary group benefit offerings, including health plans, retirement options, supplemental retirement accounts (403(b), 457(b)), term life, long-term disability, Bridge, and COBRA for new, existing, and former employees.
• Lead the execution of the yearly open enrollment process for overseas employees by developing and disseminating communications such as announcements, guidelines, FAQs, reminders, webinars, and meetings.
• Perform system audits and invoice reconciliations to validate accuracy of payroll deductions, coordinating with Finance, Payroll, and external vendors to resolve any discrepancies.
• Review and contribute feedback on global HR policies to ensure overseas division needs are properly addressed and reflected.
• Assist with absence management in line with global policies, collaborating with employees, managers, and vendors to ensure timely event processing.
• Conduct system test cases, support troubleshooting efforts, identify gaps, implement enhancements, and maintain clear standard operating procedures and job aids.
• Develop and update benefits-related content on approved HR platforms, organize employee benefits briefings and education sessions, and manage shared email accounts to ensure prompt responses.

Competencies

• High attention to detail
• Upholding confidentiality
• Strong communication skills
• Effective problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent organizational skills

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related discipline from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign degree.
• Three to five years of experience in benefits administration, HR operations, or similar roles.
• Experience supporting open enrollment and employee lifecycle events.
• Familiarity with applicable regulations such as FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ADA, and GDPR.
• Ability to learn and use software tools, understand basic computer/network hardware, and communicate effectively with technical personnel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with UMGC staff and third-party vendors.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized and detail-focused with capability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certifications such as SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, CEBS, GBA, or CBP.
• Experience with Workday HCM Benefits and Absence modules.
• Background supporting overseas or widely dispersed employee groups.
• Experience managing medical documentation tracking and compliance-related administrative processes.
• Preferred certifications include State of Maryland Retirement Coordinator, Agency Benefits Coordinator, and HIPAA, with readiness to pursue if required.

Eligibility to Apply

Applications are welcomed primarily from local candidates qualifying for ILS under USAREUR Regulation 600-700, Section III, 7-13. Applicants must exclusively serve US Forces, not be stateless, be nationals of NATO countries excluding the host nation, and not normally reside in the host nation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UMGC affirms its commitment to equal opportunity, strictly prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, nationality, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation, or veteran status across employment, education, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations

UMGC is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment for individuals with disabilities and ensures qualified persons will not be excluded or discriminated against. Applicants may request accommodations through designated channels.

Benefits Package

• Generous paid time off ranging from 15 to 22 vacation days based on tenure and position, plus 15 sick days, 3 personal days, and 11 paid Federal holidays; prorated for part-time work.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, vision, dental, and prescription plans effective from the first of the month after hiring.
• Insurance options covering term life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement plans including Optional Retirement Program and Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.
• Supplemental retirement savings plans such as 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options, though without matching contributions by the employer.
• Tuition remission benefits for regular exempt staff and their families with eligibility criteria and proration rules for part-time employees.
• Potential moving allowance depending on terms and agreements of the position.

Additional Compensation

Salaries range from $48,800 to $52,300, with additional currency adjustment allowances applied based on Department of Defense COLA indexes corresponding to the work location, subject to routine market fluctuations.