Manager of Payroll and Benefits bei Columbia Gorge Community College

Description

Compensation: $67,391-$73,631 plus excellent benefits including generous employer contributions to medical, dental and vision premiums, and participation in the Oregon PERS retirement system.

We offer an opportunity for…

A collaborative, equity-minded leader to serve as Manager of Payroll and Benefits. The Manager of Payroll and Benefits is responsible for performing professional duties in the areas of payroll, employee benefits and leave administration, labor relations and risk management. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and be driven by a genuine desire to advance the College’s Mission and Priorities.

Who we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education, and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community. 

Vision: As an institution of higher education, CGCC innovates and excels, champions equity and inclusion, and nurtures belonging among our students, employees, and the community.

Priorities:   

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community 

Guiding Principles: Open Communication, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Equity and Inclusion.

Where we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi I’wana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles, Oregon.  We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River.   

What the area offers…

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard, and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation. 

As a center of Native American trade for over 10,000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture, with large acreages of wheat fields, cherry, pear, and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards, wineries, and breweries that, together with outdoor recreation, have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry.

Organizations like Comunidades, The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing, technology, and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area, which is home to companies such as Insitu, Tofurky, Cardinal Glass, Sagetech, HoodTech, and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away, with its various urban attractions and access to international travel.

What you will do…

• Prepare, distribute, and report accurate monthly payroll, including but not limited to the calculation of wages, overtime, benefit deductions, garnishments, taxes, etc. to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Maintain payroll records per records retention schedules
• Reconcile payroll taxes paid by payroll processor.
• Manage benefits administration including open enrollment, qualifying events, termination, and new hire enrollment
• Monitor payroll activities for compliance with collective bargaining contracts, employee contracts, and College policies and procedures.
• Develop and use intercultural fluency to support community-led advancement across the college
• Use culturally responsive practices to benefit employees, and communities with historically marginalized identities
• Dismantle systems and barriers in order to achieve equitable student success

Requirements

 What you bring….

• Bachelor degree in business administration or closely related field, and/or equivalent relevant work experience preferred.
• Two-five years of payroll management experience, to include working with computerized payroll systems, tax reporting, and benefit administration.  
• Experience managing a payroll processing of 200+ employees monthly preferred.
• Knowledge of the payroll aspects of employee benefits policies, procedures, and reporting requirements preferred. Public sector experience preferred.
• Experience promoting equity-minded and diversely represented communications and materials, experience in responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and employees as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices. 

Position information 

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins the week of November 3, 2025.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Please include a resume, and letter of interest with your application materials.