Job Description

The Senior Benefits Specialist administers a broad range of U.S.-based health and welfare plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and other employee benefits programs. This position is responsible for compliance with federal and state regulations, assisting with plan design and implementation, and providing support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries and issues. The Senior Benefits Specialist will work closely with internal teams, external vendors, and stakeholders to optimize benefits offerings and deliver a positive employee experience. This position is based in our DC office and reports to the Director, Total Rewards.

Motivation:

You are a mid-career professional who has a well-rounded benefits administration experience, with a particular emphasis in health & welfare plan administration.

You are skillful at balancing day-to-day whirlwind with project work. You are exceptionally organized and thorough, yet capable of moving quickly, managing several projects at the same time, and meeting deadlines. You sense the urgency and act.

You can explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences and enjoy helping employees maximize their benefits.

You pride yourself in a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.

You constantly reengineer your day-to-day processes to increase speed, efficiency, and effectiveness, and you are proficient in manipulating data to drive your decision making.

You recognize and create opportunities rather than wait for things to happen or being told what to do. You take responsibility and act.

Responsibilities:

Oversee day-to-day operations of U.S. health and welfare benefit programs by ensuring accurate and timely enrollment, changes, and terminations in benefit plans.

Lead open enrollment by testing systems configuration, developing communications and educational materials, coordinating with vendors, and troubleshooting employee issues.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements for health & welfare plans by monitoring regulatory changes, obtaining legal opinions, preparing and submitting legally required filings, coordinating plan amendments, and distributing legally required notices.

Deliver excellent customer service and resolve employee benefits-related issues by researching benefit policies and procedures, enhancing data accuracy in applicable systems and integrations, and coordinating with internal and external parties.

Educate employees about benefit programs by developing and maintaining communication materials and designing employee workshops.

Enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness by maintaining working relationships with vendors and third-party administrators and recommending improvements to benefits programs and benefits delivery.

Support management decision making by preparing benefits utilization reports, analyzing trends, and recommending plan design enhancements, process changes, and wellness initiatives.

Execute plan design changes and wellness initiatives by coordinating with insurance carriers, managing open enrollment and wellness events, verifying system changes, and updating employee communication materials.

Complete payments to benefit providers by researching and reconciling employee and carrier reports, requesting benefit payments, and reconciling benefits accounts.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, etc.) and ensure compliance across all benefits offerings.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s’ degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related field

7 years of benefits administration experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education

Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and other federal and state regulations

Experience with the full range of benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and other employee welfare programs

Experience with end-to end open enrollment processes, vendor management, and benefits compliance; experience with Workday benefits module preferred

Expertise in benefits communication and employee education, including creating and delivering presentations and written materials

Project management skills and proven track record of handling large, complex benefits programs, e.g., during benefits open enrollment and plan design changes

Excellent customer service skills

Strong analytical skills

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and balance empathy for employees with plan rules and limitations

Ability to automate processes and improve efficiencies

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

Nine paid holidays and two personal days

20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

Robust mental health resources

Backup care and caregiver concierge services

Gender affirming services

Pet insurance

Free Post digital subscription

Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed. 

The innovation doesn’t end in the Newsroom – dozens of teams power The Washington Post.  We are now hiring the next innovator – how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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