Director Of Benefits Administration & Compliance
Orchestra is a full-service marketing-communications firm that offers clients across sectors unparalleled strategy, storytelling, and data science expertise. Its growing team of 700+ storytellers and strategists is shaping what's next in communications, with experience that spans consumer, technology, climate and sustainability, education, healthcare, philanthropy, real estate, travel, hospitality and arts and culture, to name a few.
People of color, people with disabilities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.
Orchestra is seeking a Director of Benefits Administration & Compliance to ensure our people programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with our values. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires active involvement in the day to day management and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs. The position is dedicated to delivering a high-quality, employee centric benefits experience that aligns with the organizational goals. Additionally, it ensures full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations across US jurisdictions, mitigating risk and supporting operational integrity. You'll partner closely with the HR, Finance, and Operations to support employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
Role location : This role is based in our Seattle, WA, San Francisco, CA, or San Diego, CA office on a hybrid basis. Orchestra staff are in office 3 days per week.
Accountabilities & Qualifications
Benefits Administration
- Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of all benefit plans, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, wellness, and voluntary benefits
- Serve as the primary point of contact for benefit brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors
- Lead annual open enrollment, including plan selection, employee education, and system readiness
- Ensure competitive benchmarking and cost analysis to maintain market-competitive and fiscally responsible benefits programs
- Manage benefit-related escalations, employee inquiries, and resolution of complex cases
- Oversee and manage efficient and effective administration of our benefit programs; including launch of new programs, successful execution of open enrollment, in addition to timely and thorough audits
- Comfortable managing both strategic priorities and tactical tasks as needed
Compliance
Ensure benefits and HR programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, IRS, DOL, and state-specific mandates)Own 5500 filings, plan audits, nondiscrimination testing, and other required reportingPartner with Legal and HRIS teams to ensure policies and processes are compliant and well-documentedMaintain up-to-date knowledge of benefits legislation and proactively adapt practices accordinglyOversee and manage leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave lawsLeadership & Strategy
Build and deliver benefit and compliance-related training for HR partners, managers, and employeesContribute to broader People Operations initiatives related to employee experience and total rewardsPartner with Head of HR and Finance for budgeting and forecasting benefit-related expensesEssential Skills :
8+ years of progressive HR / Benefits experience, including demonstrated success in large complex organizations spanning multiple locations and diverse benefit plan designsStrong expertise in benefits strategy, administration, and complianceDeep knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory requirements in the USExperience working with HRIS / benefits platforms (Paylocity)Excellent analytical, project management, and communication skills, capable of translating technical benefit information into accessible guidance for a wide range of audiencesAbility to navigate ambiguity, scale programs, and thrive in a fast-paced, people-centric environment.A collaborative leadership style with a track record of successfully working cross-functionally with departments such as Finance, and OperationsCEBS, CBP, or similar certification is a plusWorking At Orchestra
Compensation philosophy : Orchestra offers competitive industry rate salary bands with the goal of retaining and growing talented individuals. We regularly review and adjust our compensation structure as needed to ensure equity across teams and levels.
Salary range (commensurate with experience and skills) : $155,000-$170,000, plus eligibility for end of year bonuses based on firm, team and individual performance.
Benefits :
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependentsPre-tax Health Savings Account Savings Plan (HSA-SP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)401K with a 4% employer match and no vesting periodGenerous paid time offPre-tax commuter benefitsMobile phone reimbursement for data and minutesEmployer-funded life insuranceDiscounted annual bikeshare membershipCorporate discounts through Tickets at Work