Senior Benefits Specialist - Durham, United States - RTI International

Description

Overview:

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Our staff of nearly 6,000 people in more than 80 countries work to address complex social and scientific challenges on behalf of governments, businesses, foundations, universities, and other clients and partners each year. Our research addresses current and emerging challenges of societal impact.

The Senior Benefits Specialist is a key individual contributor responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of comprehensive benefits programs. This role requires expertise in benefits administration, program development, compliance management, data analysis, and employee support, and cross-functional collaboration. The specialist plays a pivotal role contributing to program strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, analyzing data to inform decision-making, supporting employees, and providing mentorship to junior team members.

Benefits Program Management: Develop and administer the company's employee benefits programs, including but not limited to retirement plans, retiree health insurance, time-off policies, and disability coverage. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies related to benefits program administration. Lead projects, such as required annual audits, compliance testing, and IRS Form 5500 filing, and collaborating with the Human Resources information system (HRIS) team and other teams to ensure timely completion of all deliverables.

Benefits Program Strategy and Development: Contribute to the development and refinement of the organization's benefits program strategy. Analyze market trends, industry benchmarks, and employee feedback to identify areas for program enhancement and cost optimization. Recommend and implement changes to benefits programs that align with company goals and attract and retain top talent.

Benefits Program Administration: Oversee the day-to-day administration of benefits programs, including enrollment, eligibility verification, claims processing, and vendor coordination. Maintain accurate employee benefits data in HRIS and payroll systems. Provide guidance and support to employees regarding benefit options, plan coverage, and claims resolution.

Compliance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing employee benefits programs, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), and any other relevant legislation. Stay informed about changes in legislation and proactively address any compliance gaps or issues. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to maintain proper documentation, conduct audits, and respond to regulatory inquiries. Establish and uphold internal standard operating procedures and enhance processes to ensure seamless administration of benefit plans within the HRIS, adhering to company policies, plan documents, vendor contracts, and regulatory obligations.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize benefits data, HRIS systems, and analytical tools to analyze trends, metrics, and utilization rates. Generate reports and insights to support data-driven decision-making, program evaluation, and cost management. Identify opportunities for program improvements and recommend data-informed strategies to optimize benefits offerings.

Employee Support and Communication: Serve as a subject matter expert on benefits programs, providing guidance and support to employees. Respond to employee inquiries, resolve benefits-related issues, and facilitate benefits-related communications and education. Develop and deliver employee training sessions and communications materials to promote awareness and understanding of benefits programs.

Mentorship and Team Support: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, sharing expertise and best practices to support their professional growth. Collaborate with the team to ensure cohesive and efficient workflow, contributing to a positive and productive work environment. Act as a resource for team members, assisting with complex cases and problem-solving to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with HR teams, including compensation, talent acquisition, and HR business partners, to align benefits programs with overall HR strategies and initiatives. Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to improve the employee experience and drive holistic wellbeing.

Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience or PhD and 0 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Bachelor's degree and experience in a relevant field (such as Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline).

Strong working knowledge of retirement and health and welfare benefits plans, FMLA, absence and disability management and the regulations governing those plans, general accounting, business practices and communication in the benefits area.

Strong experience in benefits program management, including administration and compliance.

In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems for benefits data management and reporting.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate insights.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated experience in benefits program strategy development and enhancement.

Proven track record in managing complex benefits projects and Open Enrollment.

Familiarity with compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, etc.).

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.

Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively within a team.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Proactive approach to staying updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.

Adaptable to a fast-paced and evolving work environment.

Advanced Excel user. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

Specialist Skills

Compensation Planning and Management

Compensation and Benefits Policies and Procedures

Employee Benefits

Employee Rewards Program

Group Health Benefits

Human Resources Consulting

Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

Payroll Platforms

Process Control

Talent Management

Capabilities

Building Relationships

Business Savvy

Digital Agility

Impact Management

Issue Resolution/Escalation

People-Centricity

Planning and Organizing

Project Management

Service Excellence

Writing/Reporting

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States.

RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.