We're Hiring!

Title: Payroll Data Entry & Benefits Specialist
VP Area: VP - CFO
Department: Human Resources
Position Compensation: $26 - $29/hour
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:
The Payroll Data Entry & Benefits Specialist supports the Human Resources department by ensuring accurate processing of employee payroll data, benefit enrollments, and related records. This role combines administrative precision with confidentiality to maintain compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements while delivering excellent service to employees.

Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Data Entry
• Accurately enter, verify, and process biweekly payroll data—including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and academic/athletic contracts—in compliance with deadlines and policies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee information and assist with payroll audits as needed.

Benefits Administration
• Process and maintain accurate records for employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and vendor systems, covering health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
• Assist employees with benefits-related questions, claims, and plan details, and prepare and distribute communications, including open enrollment materials.
• Support compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.

General HR Support
• Maintain organized and secure employee files and HR databases while supporting the management of benefits and contracts email inboxes.
• Track and process faculty degree records, promotions, reviews, sabbaticals, and contract types, and assist with compliance reporting and audits.
• Collaborate with the HR team to improve processes, ensure data integrity, and cross-train on faculty-related HR functions, including contract issuance.

Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits administration, payroll, or HR data entry. 
• Knowledge of payroll processes, benefits plans, and applicable employment laws. 
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity. 
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to have:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field

Key Skills:
KEY SKILLS
• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, HRIS/payroll software and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills with a customer-service mindset.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

Northwestern's Benefits Overview