The Benefits Manager oversees the employee benefits program and manages the Benefits Team. Under the direction of, and in collaboration with the, VP of Total Rewards, this position develops and implements a comprehensive benefits package that meets the needs of the company and its employees. The Benefits Manager monitors plans and policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements and company objectives. This position is accountable for staying informed of industry changes, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

This position is Fully Remote.

What We Offer:• $95 - $125,000 per year

• Paid Training• FREE UTI or Concorde Tuition for you AND your Immediate Family• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Ins/STD & LTD Ins• 401K, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off• Paid Parental Leave

Principal Accountabilities & Deliverables

• Administer health, welfare, and retirement benefits programs, handling processes, billing, deductions, and leave management
• Ensure compliance with regulations (e.g. ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, etc.) and mandatory notices
• Provide clear communication to employees and management about benefit program features, plans, and options
• Oversee relationships with vendors, including insurance and pension brokers and consultants
• Resolve benefit-related issues and respond to queries and requests in a timely manner
• Evaluate the efficiency and value of current benefit programs and make recommendations for improvement
• Collaborate with payroll and ensure that employer contributions and payroll deductions are processed accurately and in a timely manner
• Maintain and create records, reports, and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and provider regulations
• Ensures plan documents are current and accurate for each plan and filed/communicated appropriately throughout the year
• Monitor compliance with laws and regulations related to benefits
• Establish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metrics.
• Recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• HS Diploma or GED (required); Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field (preferred)
• Minimum of five (5) years progressive benefits experience (required)
• Specific experience in education, or other highly regulated field, and multi-site, multi-state environments (highly preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Federal, state, and local regulations related to health and welfare benefit plans and 401(k) retirement plans 
  • Investigatory protocols, procedures, and best practices (e.g. Harassment, discrimination, etc.)
  • Principles and procedures for benefits administration, organizational change management, project management, benefit platforms (PlanSource), and HRIS Systems (UKG)
  • Auditing processes and procedures
  • Record keeping, versioning, document retention and other administrative processes and procedures

Skills

• Actively look for ways to assist with employee's needs
• Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do
• Identify complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Present ideas in a clear and compelling manner, both verbally and in written format
• Exceptional listening and conflict resolution skills
• Intermediate level presentation communication skills
• Drive, and be accountable for, results in a fast-paced environment
• Intermediate level proficiency with productivity software (MS Office), HRIS (UKG), benefits platforms (PlanSource), and other enterprise-level software (Adobe DC, SharePoint, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to test own and other’s work
• Ability to identify and resolve system problems or defects
• Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
• Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders