U.S. Benefits Manager

Human Resources Washington, DC, United States

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This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office (US). Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.
 
About the Program:
 
As our global environmental research organization has grown rapidly, our HR team growth has mirrored this change. Our US HR team of 5 supports over 700 WRI employees. Operating within the Global HR team in close partnership with our Centers of Excellence, the US team manages all aspect of HR for our employees around the country. As part of the US HR team this new position leads and manages the US benefits offering.
 
Job Highlight: 
 
Reporting to the US HR Director this position will lead the development, design, and delivery of benefits for the WRI US office. These benefits include health, death, disability, pension, wellbeing and time off benefits. They will ensure the benefits offered are aligned to the WRI C&B framework and support talent attraction, motivation, and retention. This position will manage a US Benefits Specialist. The benefits team will be the point of contact for all staff communication, compliance and regulatory requirements and benefits vendor management for all US benefits program. The benefits team works very closely with the payroll team to ensure that the bi-weekly payroll is delivered accurately. This role involves close collaboration with Legal, Procurement, Accounts Payable, Payroll and People Experience teams.  
 
What will you do: 
 
Benefits Planning, Design and Development (10%)
  • Lead the design and development of any new benefit programs for WRI US office ensuring that the new benefit is aligned to the Global C&B framework
  • Conduct regular analysis of current benefits schemes, evaluating plan performance, utilization, harmonization opportunities and cost-effectiveness. 
  • Identify opportunities for optimization and improvement.  
 
Benefits Administration and Compliance (30%);
  • Ensure all benefits plans comply with company policies and local laws in the US
  • Lead the process of open enrollment for benefits as applicable
  • Complete all compliance activities for US benefit plans, including regulatory filings, reporting updates, and audits.
  • Oversee systems for employee benefits, ensuring data integrity and successful data exchange between HRIS (currently ADP and moving to Workday), payroll and any other vendor platform.
  • Ensure that the required inputs are provided on the bi-weekly basis to ensure payroll processing.

Vendor Management (20%) 
  • Manage relationship with all benefit providers including brokers, vendors and platform providers to ensure that the partners are delivering as per the agreed SOW.
  • Ensure regular meeting with each vendor/ provider to ensure all employee queries are managed efficiently. Manage relationships to ensure benefits deliver value for money.
  • Manage the process of contract renewals with vendors and ensure that WRI remains compliant.
  • Process invoices from benefits vendors, reconcile and audit monthly insurance invoices and deduction reports, and resolve billing, cancellations or change to coverages and HSA transmittals
 
Communication and Employee Support (15%);
  • Serve as the main point of contact for benefits-related queries and escalations.
  • Develop employee communication materials to enhance awareness and understanding of benefits programs.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting Use data analytics to evaluate and improve benefits programs
  • Prepare and present performance reports to HR leadership team
Team Management (20%)
  • Lead the benefits team (currently 1 benefits specialist) and ensure effective delivery of the US benefits program.
 
Global Projects (5%)
  • Contribute in global projects and WORKDAY implementation for the US office
 
What will you need:
  • Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent work experience
  • Experience: You have a minimum of  7 years full-time work experience with at least 4 years in managing / leading employee benefits
  • Experience creating a benefits program in the US
  • Extensive knowledge of US benefits in multiple US states and established network of support vendors
  • Proficiency in HR information systems, Microsoft Office, and SharePoint.  Workday is preferred
  • Strong knowledge of US labor laws relating to employee benefits
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; Strong interest in working with diverse employees with high expectations across all levels and functions
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with numbers with an interest in process improvements
  • Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work independently
  • Ability to exhibit discretion in handling confidential information
  • Languages: Verbal and written English proficiency
  • Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization 

 

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 96,000 and 110,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

 

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

 

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

 

What we offer:

 

  • Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
  • The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
  • A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
  • The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
  • Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
  • Generous leave days that increase with tenure
  • Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off

 

About Us:

 

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

 

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

 

Our mission and values:

 

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

 

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

 

Our culture:

 

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

 

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

 

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