Senior Benefits Specialist, Health & Welfare
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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 with well-rounded benefits administration experience, especially in health & welfare plans.
- You are skillful at balancing daily tasks with project work. Highly organized, thorough, and capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
- You can explain complex concepts clearly to non-technical audiences and enjoy helping employees maximize their benefits.
- You pride yourself on accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
- You constantly seek to improve processes for speed and efficiency and are proficient in data manipulation for decision-making.
- You recognize opportunities and take responsibility proactively.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily operations of U.S. health and welfare benefit programs, ensuring accurate enrollments, changes, and terminations.
- Lead open enrollment processes, including system testing, communication, vendor coordination, and troubleshooting.
- Ensure regulatory compliance by monitoring legal changes, submitting filings, and distributing notices.
- Provide excellent customer service by resolving employee benefits issues and maintaining data accuracy.
- Develop communication materials and conduct employee workshops on benefit programs.
- Maintain vendor relationships, recommend improvements, and enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Support management with benefits utilization reports, trend analysis, and plan enhancements.
- Coordinate plan design changes and wellness initiatives, manage system updates, and communicate with employees.
- Handle benefit payments, reconcile reports, and maintain benefits accounts.
- Stay updated on federal and state regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, etc.) to ensure compliance.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
- 7 years of benefits administration experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Knowledge of ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
- Experience with full benefits administration, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, HSA, and other welfare programs.
- Experience with open enrollment, vendor management, benefits compliance; Workday benefits module preferred.
- Strong communication and employee education skills, including creating presentations and written materials.
- Proven project management experience handling large benefits programs.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to handle confidential matters with empathy and discretion.
- Ability to automate processes and improve efficiencies.
Additional Information:
The Washington Post's policy requires five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and travel.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Company-paid pension and 401(k) match.
- Three weeks vacation, up to three weeks paid sick leave.
- Nine paid holidays and two personal days.
- 20 weeks paid parental leave.
- Robust mental health resources.
- Backup care, caregiver services, gender-affirming services, pet insurance, free digital subscription, and career development programs.
Salary range: $85,100 - $127,700 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Bonus or incentives may apply.
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