Benefits Manager

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The principal function of an employee in this class is to plan and direct the administration of the City's benefits program including but not limited to employee health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, supplemental health plans, and retirement plans and programs. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources or designee, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over employees assigned to employee benefits. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other City employees, service and product providers, business leaders and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
Ideal candidates for this position will have experience in the administration and daily processing of benefits for a significant number of employees.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Residency Incentive Program
Paid Volunteer Time-Off
Parental Leave
Vacation and Sick Leave
12 Paid Holidays
Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
Wellness Programs and Activities
Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college/university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, finance or another highly related field; and
• Substantial experience in the administration of employee benefits; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

College transcripts and any applicable certifications must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources @dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• • Develops, creates, documents, updates, and reviews procedures and protocols used for the administration of employee benefit programs; serves as the primary contact for regulatory audits of employee benefit plans.
  • Administers and oversees the deferred compensation plans and defined benefit pension programs, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, compliance, and effective communication with participants.
  • Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of the assigned staff in implementing appropriate goals, policies, and directives of the Human Resources Department.
  • Prepares a variety of correspondence and reports related to the work; develops RFPs and contracts; evaluates proposals; and makes recommendations.
  • Serves as primary contact with benefit consultants, enrollment systems administrators, and plan providers to ensure efficient administration of benefit plans.
  • Monitors projects to ensure timely and accurate completion and employee satisfaction.
  • Oversees and directs all activities related to benefits administration, planning and implementation.
  • Directs the research and development of employee benefit plans, retirement compensation plans, and administration of the same.
  • Researches and prepares multi-year projections and analysis of benefit programs and retirement compensation plans.
  • Prepares special reports for City policy makers.
  • Coordinates with the Finance Department in preparation of annual operating budget proposals.
  • Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the class.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 10/16/2025 4:00 PM Central

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• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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