HR Benefits Administrator in Cordova, Alaska at Native Village of Eyak

Who We AreThe Native Village of Eyak (NVE) is a federally recognized Tribal government based in Cordova, Alaska—a remote, roadless community nestled between the eastern Chugach Mountains and the waters of Prince William Sound.Our ancestral homelands have long served as a traditional gathering place for the Eyak, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan peoples and span more than 55 million acres of land and sea, encompassing the Copper River Delta and the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This territory reflects the deep, enduring connection our people have to the land and waters that have sustained us for generations.NVE is governed by a seven-member elected Council, which upholds our Constitution and Bylaws. The Council provides strategic leadership and direction to the Administrative Executive Director and Health Executive Director to implement projects and programs in alignment with a strategic plan.The Ilanka Community Health Center is a primary care outpatient clinic serving the Cordova community. As both an Indian Health Service facility and a Community Health Center, Ilanka offers affordable, high-quality care through contract health services and sliding fee scales. In addition to medical services, Ilanka also provides behavioral health support.Mission: Dedicated to exercising our sovereignty to enhance the well-being of our people, culture, and homelands.Vision: To cultivate a resilient and thriving community where our people are healthy and empowered, our culture is alive, and we honor our lands and waters. Through our relationships, education, healing, and leadership, we uphold our sovereignty and empower current and future generations to sustain our way of life.Core Values: Humility, Accountability, Integrity, Kinship, RespectTraditional Values: God, Loyalty, Humor, Cooperation, Teaching, Cultural Pride, Sharing, Discipline, Language, Respect Essential NoticesMost positions require or strongly prefer on-site work in Cordova to ensure the highest quality of services for our Tribal Members. Remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role, and may require regular travel to Cordova.NVE is an e-Verify employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. In accordance with P.L. 93-638, preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants.We are committed to equity, access, and inclusion in our hiring process. If you need assistance applying, please contact our HR team at HR@eyak-nsn.govAbout This Role

BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR

Work Location: Cordova, AK preferred. Remote or hybrid arrangement is available subject to NVE policies

Team: Human Resources

Salary Grade: 19

Reports To: Director of HR

Schedule: Full time regular, 40+ hours per week

FLSA Status: Salaried & Not Eligible for Overtime Pay

Last Revised: May 2026

Essential Notice:

In accordance with P.L. 93-638, preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants. Hiring preference for NVE Tribal members is in effect for this position

POSITION SUMMARY

The Benefits Administrator serves as the organization’s primary subject-matter expert and strategic advisor on all employee benefits and protected leave programs. This role owns the full lifecycle of benefits administration, compliance, and vendor management while providing authoritative guidance to employees, leadership, and HR.

The Benefits Administrator ensures program accuracy, regulatory compliance, and cost effectiveness, while proactively analyzing trends, recommending plan improvements, and enhancing the overall employee experience. This position is the go-to resource for benefits interpretation, issue resolution, and program design across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Serve as the organization’s lead expert on all benefits programs, providing guidance, interpretation, and resolution of complex issues for employees, managers, and leadership.

2. Own and administer all benefits processes, including enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, claims, retirement transactions, compliance testing, QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Order), and QMCSOs (Qualified Medical Child Support Order).

3. Act as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.

4. Administer and track leaves of absences including but not limited to FMLA, STD, LTD, USERRA and any other mandated leave types; ensuring timely notices, documentation, and communication to employees and managers.

5. Lead employee education efforts by developing and delivering clear, accessible communications, orientations, and open enrollment materials.

6. Advise HR and leadership on benefits-related policies, compliance requirements, and best practices.

7. Ensure integrity of benefits data across HRIS, payroll, and vendor systems; oversee audits, reconciliations, and reporting.

8. Manage benefits billing, funding, and budget tracking; analyze costs and recommend cost-containment strategies.

9. Evaluate, design, and implement benefits programs aligned with organizational goals and market competitiveness.

10. Lead vendor evaluations, RFP processes, and contract negotiations with benefits vendors to secure optimal coverage, service, and pricing.

11. Monitor regulatory changes and ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and reporting requirements.

12. Analyze utilization, trends, and benchmarking data to inform strategic recommendations and long-term planning.

13. Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

14. Maintain comprehensive documentation of benefits processes, policies, and procedures.

15. Support audits and actuarial reviews by preparing and validating required data and documentation.

16. Other HR duties and projects as assigned including but not limited to Employee Relations, backup as HR Generalist, HR communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF ALL STAFF

• Works safely in accordance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.

• Immediately reports unsafe conditions, hazards, or injuries to HR or the designated safety contact.

• Attends all mandatory special events, meetings, and trainings.

• Assists with special events, meetings, and trainings as necessary.

• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

• Maintains awareness and sensitivity to various cultures.

• Embodies Tribal values throughout all work.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None. This position does not supervise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Deep expertise in employee benefits administration, plan design, and regulatory compliance.

• Strong working knowledge of applicable laws including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and related regulations.

• Ability to interpret complex plan documents and translate them into clear guidance for diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to act as a trusted advisor and handle sensitive, high-impact employee issues.

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to evaluate trends, costs, and program effectiveness.

• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and negotiations.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to educate and influence stakeholders at all levels.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong proficiency with Excel

• Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms

• Experience with MIP/Microix preferred

• Experience with Rippling preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience: Minimum five (5) years required of progressively responsible experience in benefits and leave administration, including demonstrated ownership of open enrollment, solving complex benefits issues, and building rapport with benefits vendors. Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated expertise with the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Other HR or Accounting experience helpful but not required.

Education: Undergraduate degree in business, human resources, or relevant field preferred.

Certificates & Licenses: Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation preferred. SHRM or HRCI certification(s) preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this position, the following will be required of employees:

● Occasionally lifts and carries up to 25 lbs

● Typically lifts, moves, bends, and walks and uses continuous physical activity to complete work

● Typically uses hands, eyes, and muscle coordination to coordinate and complete work

● Typically uses balance, eyesight, and fine motor skills to coordinate and complete work

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this position, employees may be exposed to the following conditions:

● Work in a confined space (office) primarily

● Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Other Requirements: Required to submit to a background check and follow the NVE Tribe’s drug policies.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

The Native Village of Eyak has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Native Village of Eyak reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Native Village of Eyak may deem appropriate. Your signature below signifies that you understand the duties, expectations, and contents of this job description.