Human Resources Manager - Benefits

Position Summary

This vacancy is in the Human Resources department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

The Benefits Manager leads the strategy and day-to-day operations of Ramsey County’s employee and retiree benefit programs—ensuring they are competitive, equitable, fiscally responsible, and aligned with organizational goals. This role oversees a team of six and manages benefits administration, vendor partnerships, data and analytics, communications, and service delivery for employees, retirees, and their families. Join a mission-driven organization where your work truly matters. Ramsey County is known for its commitment to equity, innovation, and employee well-being. Here, you’ll find a collaborative culture, meaningful work that strengthens communities across Minnesota, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive.

To lead and direct a designated function of the Human Resources Department, such as learning and development, talent management, operations, benefits, or leave administration, providing senior professional level human resources services to county leadership, service teams, departments, employees, and retirees; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Flexible Workplace : This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Examples of Work Performed

Benefits

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Lead Benefits division; establish clear priorities, performance expectations utilizing continuous improvement practices; and administer the budget within public-sector fiscal constraints.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy advancing equity, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility maximizing Total Rewards value; lead annual open enrollment, including planning, communications, employee education, implementation, and updates to benefit materials and systems.
• Manage design, administration, and communication of employee and retiree benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement coordination, wellness initiatives, voluntary benefits, and related service delivery functions.
• Procure and manage group insurance contracts, including developing RFP specifications, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with county procurement and legal requirements; manage vendor relationships monitoring performance, pricing, quality, compliance, and issuing resolution across carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Develop clear, accessible communications and education materials that strengthen employee understanding of benefits and support effective engagement with programs and resources.
• Conduct data driven analysis of benefits utilization, cost trends, actuarial assumptions, workforce demographics, and service metrics; prepare dashboards and reports to inform budgeting, policy, and strategic planning.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, IRS regulations, ERISA (as applicable), and Minnesota statutes, including overseeing audits, actuarial reviews, filings, and required reporting.
• Maintain and improve benefits policies and procedures, monitor legislative and market changes partnering with benefits consultants, Finance, Purchasing, Legal, Labor Relations, and departmental leaders, and serve as the escalation point for complex benefits issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance per the position’s management approved work schedule is required.) Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Organizationl Development, Psychology, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.

Experience: Five years of progressive and professional level human resources or human resources related experience with an emphasis in the area assigned, including at least two years of experience working in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Certification/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information

Interested candidates may apply by completing the required online application and attaching a resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience. This is a classified, managerial position that is exempt from the examination and certification requirements. Classified positions, so designated, shall be filled by means of an open application and screening process as stated in section 383A.288 Subd. 6 and the provisions of section 383A.289 of the Personnel Act.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified, managerial position that is exempt from the examination and certification requirements, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position meets the requirements for an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.

Criminal Background Checks : All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

• E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer : Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: [email protected]

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

• MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered

• VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program

• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off

• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)

• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits

• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match

• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking

• Fully funded Metropass.

• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being

• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

• Wellness programming

• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave

• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

• Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

• Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development

• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Which best describes your progressive and professional level human resources or human resources related experience with an emphasis in the area assigned.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• At least 2 years of experience but less than 5 years
• At least 5 years of experience but less than 9 years
• 9 years of experience or more

03

Do you have at least two years of experience working in a supervisory or leadership capacity?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question