"Alerted.org

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 related benefit plan documents. The work location is on the Bangor campus of the University of Maine at Augusta, with the option to work hybrid for the right candidate.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Salary: The annual salary is $42,000-$45,000, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

+ 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time

+ Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

+ Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance

+ Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance

+ Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)

+ 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PiJzlCgbypar8lq6-SKBaE1SSoyivhwiVO2IdZM3I24/edit?tab=t.0) .

Benefits Specialist job description (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qalmtprtnhrzoLnOlzcksx4wGKsLXQb6/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110440131131110993671&rtpof=true&sd=true) .

Required Qualifications:

+ 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 that 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 Qualifications:

+ 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” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following:

+ A cover letter that 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 no later than 4:30 p.m. EST on October 31, 2025.

+ Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

+ Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.

+ Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) 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.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

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) .