Human Resources Associate, Benefits

Support Staff

Human Resources Associate, Benefits

Full Time

Administration

Human Resources

On-Site (Hamilton, NY) - expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

$22.00-$24.00

• 2+ years of experience in an administrative or professional role.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while managing a high volume of assignments and frequent changes in priority.
• Strong organizational skills are required.
• Ability to take initiative and identify solutions to problems.
• Proficiency with MSOffice Word and Excel required.
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of integrity and manage and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and address competing priorities.
• Must possess the ability to be flexible and multi-task in a busy team oriented environment.
• Ability to exchange information clearly and accurately through written and verbal channels.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve and make decisions using sound judgment.
• Demonstrated customer-oriented mindset.
• Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, visitors and business associates on a daily basis.

• Prior HR experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Google Docs/Sheets preferred
• Prior experience using an HRIS or ATS system preferred
• Familiarity with federal and state employment function laws, regulations and policies is helpful

Associate's degree or combination of education and experience from which comparable skills were attained is required.Bachelor's degree is preferred.

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .

The Human Resources Department seeks to provide leadership and expertise on human resource matters by serving as internal consultants to University employees. It is the goal of the Human Resources Department to develop and support a diverse workforce; to attract and retain quality employees; to facilitate open, two-way communications between supervisory and staff personnel; provide competitive total rewards; to develop and maintain a climate of mutual trust, confidence and sensitivity to the needs of our employees and the University; and to build and enhance motivation, a spirit of cooperation and job satisfaction. We seek to serve as advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion, to provide excellent customer service and to strengthen and support the University in achieving its aspirations through the human dimension.

The Human Resources Associate for Benefits is primarily responsible for providing support in the area of benefits administration including leave administration.

Specific Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and follow up to ensure timely receipt of benefit enrollment forms and accurate payroll deductions. Update the online benefits system with enrollments and changes.
• Assist employees and retirees with questions and issues related to insurance plans and leave programs in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations. Resolve enrollment issues as needed.
• Prepare pension and long-term disability (LTD) eligibility letters and ensure appropriate information is shared for timely payroll deductions.
• Provide support during the annual Benefits Open Enrollment period, including coordinating all aspects of mailings (ordering supplies, envelope preparation, printing requests, web uploads, etc.) and following up with HR staff and employees.
• Assist with processing Paid Family Leave (PFL) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, including submitting claims, processing correspondence, and tracking leave usage.
• Review monthly benefit plan enrollment reconciliations and coordinate resolution of discrepancies.
• Assist with processing Workers' Compensation claims, including filing claims, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, coordinating with the WC carrier on bill reviews, processing payments, reviewing and paying the NY Hospital surcharge, and tracking claims for reporting and analysis (e.g., OSHA logs and internal reviews).
• Assist with processing disability claims by coordinating timely filing, managing lost-time and benefit payment arrangements for payroll purposes, serving as a liaison between employees and carriers, ensuring follow-up medical documentation is obtained, and providing information regarding long-term disability claims.
• Prepare termination letters as provided by audit reports and submit updates in the online benefits system.
• Assist with processing Work-Related Tuition Benefits, Tuition-Free Courses, and CHEG including distributing forms, preparing approval letters, notifying payroll of classes scheduled during work hours, and tracking and processing reimbursements.
• Serve as primary backup for the HRA-Payroll area and Administrative Department Coordinator during peak times and in the absence of other staff members.
• Complete special projects and assignments as needed (e.g., brochures, mailings, and special events).
• Works as a member of a team and provides coverage and assistance as required.

2026S005Posting

No

01/16/2026

Yes

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at .