Berklee College of Music

Senior Benefits Manager

Berklee College of Music$105K — $140K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 5-7 years of benefits administration experience
  • Deep knowledge of employee benefits law including ERISA and ACA
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Familiarity with Workday HRIS is a strong plus
  • Experience managing and coaching staff
  • Professional HR or benefits certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) are advantageous

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement competitive benefits plans across various domains
  • Lead annual open enrollment planning and communications
  • Analyze utilization and claims data for cost-containment
  • Partner with vendors to ensure compliance and monitor SLAs
  • Provide expert guidance on leave management policies
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards related to benefits
  • Supervise and mentor the Benefits & Leaves Administrator

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with a combination of onsite and remote work
  • Supportive work culture focusing on employee experience and development
  • Direct access to experienced leadership for mentorship and growth
  • Opportunity to work with a diverse range of benefits and leave management programs
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Human Resources is seeking a strategic, analytical, and empathetic Senior Benefits Manager to oversee the organization's employee benefits and leave of absence programs. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Benefits and Compensation, you will drive strategic planning, compliance, vendor management, and continuous process improvement across all benefits streams. In addition to leading total rewards execution, you will supervise the Benefits & Leaves Administrator, delivering a high-touch, supportive experience for our faculty and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Administration:
  • Program Strategy: Design, implement, and evaluate competitive, cost-effective benefits plans, including health, dental, vision, retirement, FSAs/HSAs, life insurance, and wellness initiatives.
  • Open Enrollment & Data Analytics: Lead annual open enrollment planning, communications, and system setup alongside the Senior Director. Analyze utilization and claims data to identify cost-containment trends.
  • Vendor Management: Partner with benefits brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers to monitor SLAs, negotiate annual renewals, and reconcile premium invoices.


Leave Management & Regulatory Compliance:
  • Leave Oversight: Provide expert guidance across FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-paid family leave, military leave, workers' compensation, and institutional leave policies.
  • Compliance Mandates: Ensure rigorous compliance with federal, state, and local standards, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and Medicare reporting.
  • System Data & Supervision: Supervise and mentor the Benefits & Leaves Administrator. Maintain pristine data integrity within Workday HRIS and build actionable reporting metrics.


What You'll Bring
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required, along with 5-7 years of benefits administration experience in a complex, fast-paced HR environment.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of employee benefits law, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and leave administration best practices.
  • Technical & Analytical Mastery: Strong quantitative skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Direct experience with Workday HRIS is highly preferred.
  • Leadership & Interpersonal Touch: Demonstrated ability to manage and coach staff, handle confidential data with discretion, build institutional trust, and collaborate across departments. Professional HR or benefits certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) are a plus.


Schedule & Hybrid Work Environment
  • Hybrid Schedule: Typically operates on a Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM schedule, utilizing a hybrid modality that balances structured on-campus presence with remote flexibility.


Hiring Range:$105,000 to $140,000; salary dependent on experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Staff

About Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music is a private music college located in Boston, Massachusetts. The college was founded in 1945 and has grown to become one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Berklee College of Music offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in music performance, music production, music business, and more. The college has a strong commitment to innovation and has been at the forefront of music education for over 75 years. Berklee College of Music is also committed to diversity and inclusion, and has implemented a number of initiatives to support underrepresented groups in the music industry.
Learn more about Berklee College of Music
Size
4,000 employees
Industry

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