Description

Carnegie Science is dedicated to scientific exploration to advance investigation, research, and discovery, and apply that knowledge for the improvement of humankind.

The Benefits Manager will be responsible for managing and administering employee benefits programs, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Additional responsibilities include compliance oversight, conducting benefits orientations, handling employee inquiries, and maintaining accurate benefits records. The Benefits Manager will collaborate with finance to provide comprehensive benefits support and serves as a trusted advisor to employees and managers. Provides recommendations—and periodically presents findings—to executive leadership. This position can be based in either our Washington, DC. or Pasadena, CA office. This is a full-time, hybrid position working on-site a minimum of 3-days per week.

Requirements

• Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants. Conduct regular evaluations and negotiations to ensure the best value and service for the company and employees.
• Determine employee eligibility for plan participation and manages enrollment of eligible participants with all carriers and vendors.
• Respond to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollment, status changes, and other general inquiries.
• Provide necessary reports for allocation and billing charges; reconcile and submit all benefit plan invoices for payment.
• Partner with HRIS Manager to ensure data integrity and accuracy in the HRIS system.
• Conduct plan audits, invoice reconciliations, and payroll data reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment processes, including employee communications, broker coordination, and information sessions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, and Cal-COBRA.
• Manage participation in annual benefit plan and compensation surveys.
• Facilitate benefit training to new and current employees including open enrollment meetings; assist closely with onboarding and new hire orientations.
• Manage and update all benefit related policies including employee benefits, FMLA, COBRA, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of progressive benefits administration experience, including at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits analysis or administration. Compensation analysis experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CEBS or PHR/SPHR certification preferred.
• Prior experience in a nonprofit, academic, or research institution strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal and California benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success working with benefits brokers and managing vendor relationships.
• Hands-on experience with Dayforce HRIS preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Detailed knowledge of benefit plan administration.
• Detailed knowledge of maintaining benefits data in an HRIS.
• Detailed understanding on how benefits data integrates with payroll and benefit providers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively present complex information clearly and explain benefits concepts to employees in a clear, empathetic manner.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Self-starter with strong collaboration and independent work capabilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills (VLOOKUP, PivotTables).
• Excellent verbal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally and work in a multi-location environment.