Benefits and Employee Engagement Coordinator

Job Description:

Benefits and Employee Engagement Coordinator

Description

Position Type:
Human Resources/Benefits Coordinator

Date Posted:
6/16/2025

Location:
Human Resources

Closing Date:
06/23/2025

Benefits and Engagement Coordinator
Starting Wage: EEA Group 9, $1,250 - $1,558/week + Benefits

Join the Duluth Public Schools team, where we work to inspire every student to achieve their potential and prepare students to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Summary:
This role administers, maintains and evolves the District's comprehensive employee benefits and health & wellness programs, ensuring optimal support for past, present and future employees. The Employee Benefits and Engagement Coordinator manages these programs in accordance with plan documents, labor agreements, and state and federal laws. A key focus is the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a robust employee onboarding program designed to effectively integrate new hires and foster early engagement. This position will also develop and lead broader employee engagement initiatives to cultivate a positive, connected, and thriving work environment. The Coordinator develops and aligns both benefits and engagement strategies with the organization's goals, ensuring the district is positioned to attract, motivate, and retain talent. Working with senior leadership, this role aligns benefits and rewards strategy to best represent school district needs, values and budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in human resources, business Administration, Organizational Development, Education or a closely-related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, with a demonstrable focus on employee engagement and/or onboarding program development and implementation, and an understanding of benefits administration; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the work. Public sector or school district experience is preferred.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Understanding of employee engagement principles, best practices and the ability to analyze data.
• Comprehensive onboarding program design and execution
• Thorough knowledge of employee benefits administration, plan design, legal compliance (State and federal laws) and vendor management.
• Federal and state laws and regulations governing employee benefits and employment practices
• General accounting principles.
• Benefit plan design and benefit terminology, costs, budgeting and cost containment strategies.
• HRIS, benefits administration systems, relevant technology.

Skill Requirements:

• Designing and implementing effective employee engagement strategies.
• Developing and executing comprehensive onboarding programs.
• Familiarity with union bargaining agreements.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with carriers, employees, retirees and unions.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong presentation skills; public speaking.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Cost analysis and forecasting.
• Utilizing HRIS and benefits administration systems.

Certification or Licensing Requirements:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.

In addition to rewarding career opportunities, Duluth Public Schools offers an excellent benefit package to employees who are hired into positions scheduled to work 24 hours/week or more. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

Medical/Prescription Drug Plan with Health Reimbursement Arrangement:

• Single Coverage - District pays 100% of premium (FREE) + contributes $2,612.50 into HRA annually
• Family Coverage - District pays 75% of premium (25% employee contribution) + contributes $5,225.00 into HRA annually

Dental Plan:

• Single Coverage - District pays 100% of Basic premium (FREE)
• Family Coverage - District pays 25% of Premium

Life Insurance:

• District provides minimum of $50,000 of life insurance at no cost, employee may purchase supplemental life insurance

Long Term Disability:

• District-provided at no cost to employee

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Employees may elect to contribute on a pre-tax basis to Health Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts

Retirement:

• The District contributes 7.5% of your total salary in the Public Employees Retirement Association pension plan
• Employees may also elect to participate in Tax-Shelter Annuity options.

Time Off:

• Each bargaining unit contract defines time off provisions such as holidays, sick/personal leave, vacation, etc.

Contact Information:
If you have any questions please contact via email at noncerthr@isd709.org or call 218-336-8722

Attachment(s):

• Benefits and Engagement Coordinator .docx.pdf