Payroll and Benefits Partner

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

Salary Range for this position is $ $63,144 to $84,864 annually (depending on experience). 

Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin May 18th, 2026. 

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll and Benefits Partner will be responsible for complex, professional level Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources operations assignments such as payroll, compensation and classification, and benefits. This position consults with and provides expert assistance to managers, staff and the public regarding inquiries and service requests, provides information to clients and explains policies, rules, and regulations applicable to Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources. Under general direction and guidance, the position independently applies specialized knowledge and uses independent judgment in resolving technical and paraprofessional problems and interpreting, explaining, and applying Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations, or procedures; and processing and ensuring the accuracy of Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources documents and records. This position is responsible for the accuracy of records, exercises decision making authority, and initiates corrective action within established guidelines regarding human resource issues. This position requires regular, scheduled on-site presence at designated campuses to provide payroll support. 

This position may direct the work of Classified, Student, WorkStudy, and temporary employees.

This position is Full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8am-5pm.

This position works a hybrid schedule of both remote and on-site work.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE. 

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation. 

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including: 

• 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)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants: 
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

What you will be working on:

• Serves as team/project leader in the Payroll department; serves as project leader in special assignments. Holds primary responsibility for all data entry in the HRIS system, engaging senior Payroll and Human Resources staff as needed 
• Responds to inquiries and provides information about Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations or procedures within functional area(s) such as employment examination requirements, benefits eligibility criteria, calculation, and program offerings, classification, compensation, leave rules and procedures; and employee relations;  
• Leads response to complex department email and service tickets 
• Conducts surveys of other employers' practices such as wages, benefits, human resource policies and programs, and participates in implementing revisions to human resource programs 
• Identifies and recommends training topics and resources; develops and provides presentations and training programs regarding Payroll and Benefits functions and procedures 
• Assists Human Resources staff in administering a variety of human resource functions such as employment examinations, employee training and orientation, salary surveys, benefits enrollment and temporary appointments;  
• Analyzes and summarizes data and prepares reports using computerized and/or manual systems; enters and/or retrieves data and coordinates the maintenance of computerized Human Resources information or other recordkeeping systems; verifies accuracy of records and documents adjustments; maintains confidential records;   
• Compiles data and prepares reports, statistics and statistical summaries, narrative summaries or graphic representations of data; prepares correspondence and spreadsheets; may analyze and prepare organizational structure charts of departments for all of Seattle Colleges; 
• Analyzes, interprets, explains, and applies Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources rules, policies, regulations or procedures;   
• Reviews and ensures the accuracy and completeness of Payroll and Benefits and Human Resources documents such as leave and salary records, benefits enrollment or claim forms and employee data forms;   
• Assists in developing and implementing Human Resources procedures; recommends changes in procedures or rules to facilitate effectiveness across Seattle Colleges; 
• Receives, reviews, ensures the accuracy and completeness of, compiles and/or maintains Human Resources data, documents and records such as leave and salary records and employee data forms;   
• Manages confidential employee information and records in accordance with local, State and Federal laws such as, FERPA, HIPAA and State Retention Schedule. 
• May support responses to complex employment verification and other employee info requests from employees or members of the public; provides or verifies requested information;  
• May support responses to complex unemployment, workers' compensation and/or group insurance claims;  
• May conduct job analyses to identify position requirements; develop or modify examinations and establish rating criteria; participates in the interview process; evaluates and refers candidates; advises management regarding requirements and options;  
• May analyzes and recommend allocation of positions; analyzes and recommends changes to classifications and salaries 
• May participate in employment and recruitment activities such as conducting screening interviews, administering and scoring employment examinations, notifying applicants of examination results, certifying candidates for vacancies, and other HR and Payroll activities;  
• May direct the work of others

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Four or more years of office experience including at least six months of experience in a human resource or related setting, OR, Equivalent education/experience. 
• Two or more year's experience with payroll processing, including managing end-to-end payroll and cycles.  
• Experience administering employee benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement plans, leave programs). 
• Experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) or similar enterprise systems for data entry, reporting, and record maintenance; experience with payroll systems and benefits administration tools.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and use of formulas (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, or equivalent functions) Knowledge of federal, state, and local wage laws (e.g., FLSA, tax withholding rules, etc.) 
• 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 Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

OFFICE SETTING:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants: 

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings 

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyber bullying."

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.

Background Check Statement 

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.