Payroll & Benefits Partner

Opportunity Description

Seattle Colleges District is looking to hire a Payroll and Benefits Partner in the Human Resources department.

Salary Range

$63,144 to $84,864 annually (depending on experience).

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll and Benefits Partner will manage complex, professional-level payroll, benefits, compensation, and classification assignments. The position consults with and provides expert assistance to managers, staff, and the public on inquiries and service requests, explaining applicable policies, rules, and regulations. It independently applies specialized knowledge and judgment to resolve technical and paraprofessional problems, interprets and enforces payroll, benefits, and HR rules, and ensures the accuracy of payroll and benefits documents and records.

The role is responsible for record accuracy, exercises decision‑making authority, initiates corrective action within established guidelines, and requires regular on‑site presence at designated campuses to provide payroll support. It may direct the work of classified, student, work‑study, and temporary employees.

Work schedule: full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, hybrid (remote and on‑site). The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with WFSE representation.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges—North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College—plus five specialty training centers, making us the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington. We lead in change and innovation and are committed to recruiting staff who create a welcoming academic climate for a diverse community.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates
• Promotional opportunities
• Great medical, dental, and retirement plans
• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition waivers
• PEBB wellness plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Staff and faculty also enjoy professional development and enrichment opportunities.

Application Procedures

• Current resume
• Cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online.

Notice to Applicants

Interviews will be held virtually via Zoom or Teams. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Seattle Colleges does not sponsor visas and cannot extend OPT to F‑1 STEM students.

What You Will Be Working On

• Serve as team/project leader in the payroll department and primary data entry in the HRIS system.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information on payroll, benefits, and HR policies and procedures.
• Lead responses to complex department emails and service tickets.
• Conduct surveys of other employers’ practices and implement revisions to HR programs.
• Identify and recommend training topics; develop and deliver presentations and training programs.
• Assist with employment examinations, employee training and orientation, salary surveys, benefit enrollment, and temporary appointments.
• Analyze, summarize, and report data; maintain accurate records and coordinate HRIS maintenance.
• Prepare organizational structure charts and other reports.
• Review and ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll and benefits documents.
• Assist in developing and implementing HR procedures and recommending changes.
• Manage confidential employee information per FERPA, HIPAA, and state retention schedules.
• Support responses to employment verification, unemployment, workers’ compensation, and group insurance claims.
• Conduct job analyses, develop examinations, participate in interview processes, evaluate, and refer candidates.
• Analyze and recommend allocation of positions; recommend classification and salary changes.
• Participate in recruitment activities, including screening interviews and examination administration.
• May direct the work of others.

What You Bring as a Candidate

• Four or more years of office experience, including at least six months in a human‑resources or related setting, or equivalent education/experience.
• At least two years of payroll processing experience, managing end‑to‑end payroll cycles.
• Experience administering employee benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement, leave).
• Experience with HRIS or similar enterprise systems for data entry, reporting, and record maintenance; experience with payroll and benefits administration tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and formulas such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local wage laws (e.g., FLSA, tax withholding).
• Experience ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance with audits and reporting requirements.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Physical Demands and Disab…