This job posting expires at 11:59PM on July 24, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on July 24, 2026.
Job Title: Benefits Administrator
Department: Human Resources
External Hiring Range: $76,616.53 - $97,187.93
Compensation Grade: 3008
Posted Internally and Externally
Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.
About Our HR Team
Our Human Resources Department currently consists of 24 professionals across six functional areas:
Together, we support strategic workforce initiatives including compensation, classification, benefits, talent development, succession planning, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. Guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Honesty, and Equity, we are committed to providing exceptional service and creating a workplace where employees can thrive.
Work Location & Schedule
This position is based at 200 College Street in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, with County-paid parking provided. The selected candidate must reside, or be willing to relocate, within a two-hour driving distance of Asheville. An initial in-office training period is required. Following successful completion of training, a hybrid work schedule may be available based on operational needs and departmental approval.
Hiring Timeline
We anticipate conducting interviews in July and August, with the goal of having the selected candidate begin employment in early to mid-September.
If you are passionate about delivering exceptional employee service, building strong partnerships, and administering comprehensive benefits programs that make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply and join the Buncombe County Human Resources team.
To perform responsible professional and administrative work in the development, implementation, administration, and communication of employee benefit programs for County employees. Work includes administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave administration, compliance reporting, employee communications, vendor relations, and benefits-related data analysis. The employee serves as a subject matter expert regarding employee benefits and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Compensation & Benefits Manager.
Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in benefits design, strategy, and/or program management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Human resources experience in local government or the public sector is preferred.
Additional Training and Experience: Certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CEBS preferred.
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: None
Essential Functions of the position:
Administers employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits.
Serves as liaison between the County and benefit vendors, brokers, third-party administrators, and retirement agencies.
Processes employee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events in the HRIS and carrier systems.
Coordinates and administers the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system configuration, vendor coordination, and employee meetings.
Create and configure all benefit plans, rates, eligibility parameters and passive events within the HCM system. Create reports based on available benefit data. Work closely with the HCM IT Support Team for bi-annual update testing and tenant changes.
Administers participation in the North Carolina Retirement Systems (LGERS and TSERS, as applicable). Assists employees with supplemental retirement plans, including 401(k), and 457 programs.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, 401k and 457 plans, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements.
Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration systems, Microsoft Office applications, and spreadsheet analysis.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and administration. Ability to evaluate complex information, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and make sound recommendations. Exceptional attention to detail.
Skilled in developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, conceptual designs, and budget requirements for assigned areas, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational needs.
Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.
It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
