Benefits and Payroll Manager

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The principal function of an employee in this class is to oversee the administration of the city's total compensation program including but not limited to salary/wage classification systems, payroll function, administration of employee benefits, employee insurance programs such as health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and workers’ compensation. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over employees assigned to payroll, employee benefits, and the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other city employees, service and product providers, business leaders and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Residency Incentive Program
Paid Volunteer Time-Off
Parental Leave
Vacation and Sick Leave
12 Paid Holidays
Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
Wellness Programs and Activities
Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college/university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, finance or another highly related field; and
• Substantial experience in the administration of employee compensation and benefits; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

College transcripts and any applicable certifications must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources @dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Develop and ensure implementation of procedures and policies for day-to-day business operations.
• Develop a comprehensive pay-for-performance strategy for City employees.
• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of the assigned staff in implementing appropriate goals, policies, and directives of the Human Resources Department.
• Monitor projects to ensure timely and accurate completion and employee satisfaction.
• Oversee and direct all activities related to the payroll function, benefits administration, and compensation planning and implementation.
• Directs the research and development of employee compensation plans, benefit plans and administration of same.
• Research and prepare multi-year projections and analysis of compensation and benefit programs.
• Prepare special reports for City policy makers.
• Coordinate with the Budget Office in preparation of annual operating budget proposals.
• Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the class.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 8/11/2025 4:00 PM Central

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• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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