Senior Benefits Manager

Business Title: Senior Manager, Benefits

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager, Benefits is accountable for developing, implementing, and administrating the benefits programs while supporting the organization’s Total Rewards Philosophy, all while maintaining confidentiality. Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, the Senior Manager, Benefits will lead the development of creating a culture of recognition and the expansion of the Wellness Programs offered. The ideal individual will have strong attention to detail, knowledge of regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels regarding benefits, as well as the ability to think critically and prioritize multiple responsibilities.

Essential Functions of the Job

· Researches, analyzes, and manages benefit suppliers, vendors, and systems that support the mission and goals. Holds partners accountable for meeting our service level expectations.

· Designs, implements, and evaluates the organization’s benefits programs including health and

welfare benefits, retirement benefits, financial wellness benefits, and wellness

program/benefits and ensure that the benefits programs support the organization’s Total Rewards Philosophy.

· Ensures all benefits programs operate in compliance with federal and state laws and implement corrective action for items of non-compliance.

· Develops, implements, and administers benefits programs policies and procedures including operational policies for benefits administration.

· Manages common benefits functions including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement benefits, leave administration, and tuition reimbursement. Ensures that benefits programs remain competitive and conform to the current Total Rewards Philosophy.

· Create a culture of recognition by developing, implementing, and promoting recognition programs and events that recognize and reward talent.

· Manages, evaluates, and implements components of the Financial Wellness Program ensuring employees have knowledge of the benefits available through the program. Provides training, and coaching opportunities, and encourages the utilization of e-tools to manage financial resources so employees are making the best use of the financial resources they have.

· Designs, implements, and evaluates the organization’s wellness program with emphasis on

physical, financial, emotional, and social wellness initiatives.

· Educates, prepares, and manages all leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, Personal, Medical, etc.) programs ensuring employees on leaves are paid according to policies and practices.

· Manages benefits module in HRIS System Workday to include configurations for Open Enrollment, Affordable Care Act reporting configurations, etc. Partners with HRIS Senior Manager to find solutions to system issues impacting Total Rewards.

· Manages the new hire and employee experience in terms of total rewards, such as: orientation, benefit elections, 401(K) and successful enrollment with all vendors to ensure a smooth experience for new hires and employees.

· Provides termination information to those who leave the organization to include status of benefits, COBRA options, effective dates of benefits termination, vesting in retirement programs, etc.

· Manages retiree database and benefits programs, as well as perks programs for eligible employees.

· Prepares, implements, and distributes 1094 and 1095 forms on an annual basis as part of the ACA reporting requirements.

· Ensures all required 5500s are submitted to the IRS in a timely manner for all benefit plans, as well as prepare and submit data for pension plan service eligibility bi-annually. Will serve as the point person and completes annual compliance testing on all benefits including 401(k), FSA, cafeteria pre-tax plans, etc.

· Coordinates with vendors, Finance, and the Senior Director, Finance to ensure compliance.

Physical Demands

· Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties such as but not limited to: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading

· Occasionally required to walk and work with hands and arms, lift up to 25 pounds.

· Constantly required to sit, sometimes for several hours at a time, and use their hands and fingers to operate a computer.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

· Performs other duties which are deemed by management to be an important part of the job

· Partner with the communications and creative design team to announce benefits communications.

· Manages the employee handbook by updating at least annually and whenever major changes occur. Communicates changes to all employees and posts to the intranet.

Qualifications: Skills/Knowledge/Attributes:

· Ability to think critically, prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and accomplish detailed work with accuracy.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.

· Computer skills to include Windows-based applications including Word, Excel, and Access as well as Outlook.

· Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels regarding benefits including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), discrimination compliance laws, and other benefit-related legislation.

Relative Experience/Education:

· Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required

· HRIS required; Workday strongly preferred

· 5+ years of benefits administration, with at least 2 years in a lead or managerial role

· Experience managing vendor or benefit contracts preferred

· Certification in HR or benefits preferred