Benefits Manager

Department: Human Resources

Available: October 2021

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans. The Manager monitors benefits administration, investigates new benefits programs, and improves existing programs and relationships with third party vendors.

Primary Responsibilities:

Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party Managers.
Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
Negotiate with vendors and Managers for best plans, options and rates.
Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits staff.
Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.
Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.
Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
Knowledge of benefits contract language.
Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
Excellent communication and organization skills.
Experience working with unions.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field, and seven to ten years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience.
SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

Physical Demands:

The Metropolitan Opera is a performance venue that requires employees working in the building to be fully vaccinated. Due to the nature of this role, you must be fully vaccinated at the time your employment is scheduled to start.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

To Apply:

Please follow this link to submit your application materials: https://form.jotform.com/200134406236139

Internal candidates should please contact the Human Resources department directly to apply.

The Metropolitan Opera believes that diversity is critical to our success and growth as a leading performing arts institution and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.