Benefits Administrator

We are seeking an in-office, Benefits Administrator to join our team in Raleigh, NC.

About the Role:

East Coast Migrant Head Start Project (ECMHSP) is seeking a dedicated Benefits Administrator to oversee and manage our employee benefits programs across multiple states. This role collaborates closely with Payroll, Human Resources, and other vendors to ensure the delivery of accurate, compliant, and employee-centered benefits services that align with ECMHSP’s mission and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

This position is vital to enhancing employee experience during onboarding and across the employment lifecycle. It plays a lead role in maintaining compliance with regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA, and in driving retirement plan engagement through effective 403(b) program management. Experience with payroll processing and ADP Workforce Now is strongly preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct regular audits of benefits programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Analyze employee feedback and market trends to recommend improvements to benefit offerings.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to manage the benefits budget and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Provide training and support to employees regarding benefits enrollment, changes, and utilization.
• Assist employees with all benefits related to inquiries and requests.
• Conducts employee surveys, census, and other research and demographic efforts required to obtain accurate quotes from benefit providers.
• Administers employee insurance programs including health, life and disability plans, in addition to workers’ compensation reporting.
• Manages a timely and accurate annual renewal process; coordinates with broker, reviews and approves materials and presentations; updates carrier connections, and ensures coverage and deductions are updated correctly.
• Advise, distribute and inform employee communications of changes and developments related to benefits including eligibility, coverage, and provisions.
• Prepare enrollment reports with vendors invoices, prepare reconciliation and payment of invoices.
• Manage COBRA and life insurances, including sending letters to layoff and terminated employees.
• Manages external vendor relationships, including brokers, service providers, and benefit carriers.
• Monitors administrators’ and insurance carriers’ reports to ensure the organization’s compliance with plan requirements.
• Ensures the organizations and plans’ compliance with the applicable provisions of COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Works collaboratively with 403(b) and Flex Spending Account (FSA) plan administrators: champions innovative approaches to increase participation in and knowledge of the plan.
• Set up and maintain ADP benefit, homepage and forms library.
• Drive initiatives to increase employee participation and understanding of retirement and wellness offerings

Qualifications:

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years’ experience administering compensation and benefits programs, preferably for a multi-state organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration software.

Preferred: Master’s degree in human resources with 3 years’ experience administering compensation and benefits programs, preferably for a multi-state organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Professional certification in benefits management (e.g., CEBS, PHR, SPHR). Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration software.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal, written communication and customer service skills.
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and compensation programs, policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; ADP Workforce Now experience preferred.

What we offer you:

- Individualized professional development plans and opportunities for growth

- Medical, Dental & Vision insurance

- Life and Disability insurance

- Employer match and contributions to a 403(b)-retirement savings account

- Flexible Spending Plans

- 16 Paid Holidays

- Sick & Leave Time

- Consideration for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs

- Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

ECMHSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.