The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 - $135,000.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: May be hybrid 1 - 3 days per week.

Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around 4/1/2023. Posting may close any time after initial review.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable, and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

To set the course of UC Merced’s evolution, in 2021 UC Merced will enact its first-ever 10-year strategic plan. This plan will guide how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway toward earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted within each campus unit. UC Merced is expected to engage in sophisticated thinking, planning, and implementation of actions that effectively diversify the professoriate and staff, improve campus climate for all campus constituency groups, and strengthen our equity, diversity, and inclusion infrastructure and capacity.

The Manager of the Benefits Unit is responsible for the full scope and effective oversight, management, and administration of all facets of the Benefits Unit; including oversight and compliant administration of all major Unit functional areas of responsibility; including, but not limited to: the effective full-service administration and delivery of services in the areas of disability management services, reasonable accommodations, employee benefits administration, employee health, healthcare facilitation, employee leaves administration, workers compensation administration, and employee wellness initiatives administration. Coordinates the administration of all services for assigned constituencies (staff, academic employees, and student employees as assigned) across the campus community in effective collaboration and coordination with the UC Office of the President, HR's AVC/CHRO, campus leadership, internal HR specialty units, and the campus community. Effectively manages through unit subordinate staff. Assures compliance with all UC policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal regulations, and provides effective consultation and guidance to all entities as the campus subject matter expert for the Benefits Unit's areas of responsibilities. Leads and manages with a focus on continuous improvement, metrics, productivity, and high levels of customer service with excellent client outcome experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Law, or a related field. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, HR, or a related field. (Preferred); and
• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in an HR function, preferably in the public sector, or 9 years of education, experience, and training.

Critical Competencies:

• Demonstrates advanced judgment and technical experience in selecting methods of and techniques for obtaining solutions and developing recommendations.
• Possesses advanced level skills required to gather, organize and perform analysis on diverse programs and initiatives as well as to present findings and make recommendations that are significant to a department or unit, verbally and in writing.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to write detailed, well-organized, publishable analytical reports, procedures and/or memos; Skill in utilizing personal computers and associated MS Windows software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) in the completion of assignments; and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated skill in negotiating, exchanging ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions and/or solutions.
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of: business acumen, consulting, analysis, project management, communication, presentation, negotiation and conflict management, and problem solving while working within a matrix environment.
• Exercise excellent judgment in responding to employee relations-related requests. The ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, recognize trends, and identify systemic approaches to solving problems in this fast moving, constantly changing environment is imperative.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines including employee and union relations, recruitment, performance management, federal and state respective employment laws, compensation practices, workers’ compensation, FMLA, ADA, benefit programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) “other”

Additional information? (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.