Job Description:

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Benefits Manager to join our Benefits team. The Benefits Manager will be responsible for assisting with the design, implementation, management, communications and administration of our employee benefits programs. This role is crucial in assisting the Director, Benefits & Wellness in ensuring that our benefits offerings are competitive, compliant with regulations, and aligned with our organizational goals to attract and retain top talent. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Benefits Strategy Development: Design and enhance employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave policies, and other perks, ensuring alignment with industry standards and company objectives.

2. Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors and service providers to manage relationships and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of benefits services.

3. Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA. Prepare and file necessary reports and documentation as required. Stay informed about federal, state, and local regulations related to employee leave, ensuring that all leave practices align with legal requirements to mitigate potential risks for the organization.

4. Communication & Education: Develop and implement communication strategies to educate employees about benefits options, changes, and enrollment processes. Create user-friendly materials and conduct informational sessions.

5. Employee Support: Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits programs, resolving issues and providing guidance to ensure a positive employee experience.

6. Leave of Absence Administration: Oversee and manage leave of absence programs, including sick leave, short-term disability, long-term disability, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, and other statutory leaves, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and company policies. Develop and deliver training sessions for managers and staff on leave policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure understanding and compliance throughout the organization.

7. Invoice Reconciliation: Conduct regular reconciliation of benefits invoices, to verify accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.

8. 401(k) and Retirement Plans Responsibilities: Collaborate with external service providers, such as recordkeepers and investment managers, to optimize plan performance and ensure plan is administered in line with best practices. Keep up to date with government regulations to ensure plan complies with requirements of ERISA, IRS and DOL guidelines. Manage the annual ERISA testing and reporting requirements including Form 5500, audited Financial Statements, and Nondiscrimination testing.

About Scholastic

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

Some benefits that we offer:

Full suite of health and wellness benefits (including a $0 deductible Medical Plan)

Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with options for both Roth and Traditional Contributions

Tuition-Free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees

Generous Parental Leave Program

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity for discounted stock at a 15% discount

Thank you for your consideration in choosing Scholastic.

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Qualifications

HOW YOU CAN FIT (Qualifications)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to employee benefits.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and provide exceptional customer service.

Proficient in HRIS systems (Workday Preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with benefits administration software is a plus.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Completion of specialized certification or training on FMLA/leave administration a plus

Experience: Proven experience (5+ years) in benefits administration with demonstrated experience managing multiple benefits plans and programs.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

Job Family Group:

Human Resources

Location Region/State:

New York

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: 105,000.00 - 125,000.00

EEO Statement:

Scholastic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran. Those factors shall not influence the determination of qualifications for a job or other opportunity within the company. Further, all personnel actions (such as compensation, tuition aid, benefits, transfers, promotions, and dismissals, company-sponsored training, social and recreational programs) shall be administered without discrimination.

EEO is the Law Poster

EEO Scholastic Policy Statement

Pay Transparency Provision