Employee Benefits Manager

Position Summary

The Employee Benefits Manager is an experienced individual contributor who manages and administers assigned employee benefit, well-being, workers' compensation, and related compliance programs and processes. Working within the direction established by the Director of Human Resources, this position uses initiative, sound judgment, and subject-matter knowledge to carry work through completion, resolve issues, improve processes, and provide accurate and responsive support. The position does not supervise employees or hold overall functional responsibility for the Zoo's benefits and well-being strategy.

Grounded in a holistic Total Well-Being philosophy, the Employee Benefits Manager helps deliver programs and resources that support employees and their families across different needs, circumstances, and life stages. This includes supporting physical, emotional, financial, social, and professional well-being through meaningful benefits, accessible resources, and an employee experience that reflects the Zoo's mission and values.

The position works closely with Human Resources colleagues, Finance, Payroll, organizational leaders, employees, benefit consultants, carriers, and vendors. The role contributes analysis, recommendations, and operational expertise while ensuring assigned responsibilities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements.

Essential Functions

Benefits Administration and Total Well-Being

• Manage and administer assigned employee benefit and well-being programs and complete recurring responsibilities with accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate follow-through.
• Support programs that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement, employee assistance, leave-related benefits, voluntary benefits, workers' compensation, and other employee resources.
• Contribute to the evaluation and continuous improvement of benefit and well-being programs by gathering information, reviewing employee feedback, identifying trends, and developing practical recommendations.
• Coordinate assigned components of annual benefits planning, renewals, and open enrollment, including plan documentation, employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and vendor coordination.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employee benefit questions and sensitive benefit-related matters, providing responsive, accurate, and compassionate support and escalating issues when appropriate.
• Process and review benefit eligibility, enrollments, changes, terminations, billing, reconciliations, and other administrative transactions, resolving discrepancies in partnership with internal and external resources.
• Monitor participation, utilization, employee feedback, cost information, and vendor service results for assigned programs.
• Develop employee communications and educational resources that make benefits and well-being programs easier to understand, access, and use.
• Coordinate with brokers, consultants, carriers, and vendors on assigned matters, including service issues, implementation activities, renewals, and employee support.
• Support workers' compensation administration, documentation, claims coordination, and related employee communication in partnership with internal and external resources.

Compliance and Risk Support

• Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements related to assigned benefit and well-being responsibilities and identify changes that may affect Zoo practices.
• Coordinate assigned benefit notices, filings, disclosures, audits, plan documents, nondiscrimination testing, and other compliance activities.
• Support compliance with applicable requirements, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, and other relevant benefit laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, controls, and administrative procedures for assigned programs and processes.
• Identify potential compliance, service, or operational concerns; research available information; recommend solutions; and promptly elevate significant issues.
• Assist with internal and external audits and respond to benefit-related information requests.
• Help develop and maintain policies, procedures, and employee resources that support accurate, consistent, and compliant administration.

Data Systems and Operational Excellence

• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of employee benefit and well-being data.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, and technology resources to ensure assigned systems and processes support accurate and efficient administration.
• Prepare dashboards, reports, reconciliations, and metrics related to benefit costs, participation, utilization, service levels, and program effectiveness.
• Analyze data, identify patterns or discrepancies, and present findings and practical recommendations.
• Document processes and maintain effective controls, calendars, and workflows for assigned recurring activities.
• Independently manage assigned projects, such as vendor implementations, system changes, program launches, renewals, communications, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify work, strengthen controls, and improve the employee and manager experience.

Employee and Leadership Partnership

• Provide knowledgeable and responsive guidance to employees regarding assigned benefits and available well-being resources.
• Prepare practical information and tools that help leaders support employees and apply benefit-related processes consistently.
• Collaborate across departments while maintaining appropriate confidentiality, professional judgment, and respect for decision-making authority.
• Communicate complex or technical information in a clear, practical, and employee-friendly manner.
• Build credibility and trust through accuracy, responsiveness, empathy, discretion, and reliable follow-through.
• Promote employee awareness and effective use of the Zoo's benefits and Total Well-Being resources.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, well-being programs, or a closely related human resources specialty.
• Demonstrated experience administering employee benefit programs and working with brokers, carriers, consultants, and vendors.
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations related to employee benefits and protected employee information.
• Experience analyzing data, resolving complex administrative issues, and presenting findings or recommendations.
• Experience independently managing projects or processes from planning through implementation and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience with self-funded benefit plans, benefit renewals, workers' compensation, or well-being initiatives.
• Experience working within a complex organization employing a combination of full-time, part-time, seasonal, hourly, and salaried employees.
• Familiarity with HR information systems, benefits administration platforms, payroll systems, and data analysis tools.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration and related compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently within established direction, recognize when additional guidance is needed, and keep appropriate stakeholders informed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data, research issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions.
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, annual cycles, deadlines, and projects with limited day-to-day oversight.
• Strong program and project management skills, including the ability to organize work, coordinate stakeholders, manage timelines, and drive assigned initiatives to completion.
• Understanding of benefit costs, vendor arrangements, and the operational impact of benefit decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain complex programs and requirements in language employees and leaders can readily understand.
• Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, consistency, accessibility, and an inclusive employee experience.
• Collaborative working style and the ability to influence outcomes through expertise and trusted relationships.

Individual Contributor Expectations

The Employee Benefits Manager is expected to demonstrate professional leadership through personal ownership, initiative, and consistent execution by:

• Taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and following issues through resolution.
• Anticipating needs, identifying risks or opportunities, and acting proactively within the position's authority.
• Using available information and sound judgment to make routine decisions independently.
• Bringing forward thoughtful analysis and recommendations for decisions requiring broader functional authority.
• Building productive relationships with employees, leaders, and external partners.
• Adapting to changing priorities while maintaining accuracy, service, and follow-through.
• Supporting the Zoo's mission and contributing to a healthy, inclusive, and high-trust workplace culture.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle protected employee information.
• Ability to work at a computer and review detailed reports, data, and plan materials for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in occasional meetings, employee education sessions, enrollment activities, or organizational events outside the regular work schedule.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Key Position Details & Benefits: This position is full-time, salaried-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees at the first of the month following date of hire. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee “Total-Well-Being,” including affordable medical dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability & life insurance; generous paid time off (PTO), park discounts and free passes.

To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.