Benefits Manager

Job Title: Benefits Manager

Industry: Nonprofit

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $70,000 – $85,000 annually

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Hybrid

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities through a variety of essential services. With a longstanding presence throughout the Chicagoland area, the organization offers a collaborative, mission-driven workplace where employees are encouraged to support one another and contribute to meaningful work.

Job Description:

. This individual will oversee the administration of employee benefits, retirement programs, leave management, and wellness initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of hands-on benefits administration experience, strong knowledge of benefits compliance, and the ability to effectively communicate benefits information to employees at all levels. This position will also partner closely with Payroll, HR leadership, insurance carriers, and external vendors to ensure accurate and efficient benefits operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration & Payroll Support

• Manage day-to-day operations of employee benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and leave programs.
• Partner with the Payroll and HR teams to verify employee benefit deductions, compensation updates, and other payroll-related changes.
• Review payroll reports and conduct routine audits to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Coordinate administration of retirement and 403(b) programs, including employee records, distribution requests, and required documentation.
• Maintain organized and accurate benefits records while ensuring employee information remains confidential.

Benefits Compliance & Reporting

• Monitor benefits programs to ensure alignment with federal and state regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, FLSA, and applicable leave requirements.
• Oversee regulatory documentation, compliance reporting, required notices, and benefits-related audits.
• Stay informed of legislative changes and recommend updates to internal benefits practices as needed.
• Ensure accurate administration of employee eligibility, enrollment changes, and qualifying life events.

Vendor & Broker Relations

• Act as a key point of contact for benefits brokers, insurance providers, and third-party administrators.
• Support annual plan renewals, evaluate coverage options, and participate in vendor contract negotiations.
• Assess benefit offerings, market trends, and associated costs to help maintain competitive programs.
• Address service concerns and collaborate with external partners to resolve coverage or enrollment discrepancies.

Employee Education & Open Enrollment

• Lead annual open enrollment activities, including employee presentations, informational materials, and enrollment coordination.
• Guide new hires and current employees through available benefit options, eligibility requirements, and enrollment procedures.
• Provide individualized assistance with benefits questions, claims concerns, retirement programs, and leave-related matters.
• Develop clear and engaging communications to help employees better understand their benefits.
• Support wellness initiatives and programs that encourage employee engagement and well-being.

HRIS & Benefits Data Management

• Maintain accurate employee benefits information within the HRIS and insurance carrier platforms.
• Monitor system integrations and ensure timely processing of enrollments, terminations, and benefit modifications.
• Prepare reports on employee participation, plan expenses, and benefits utilization.
• Assist with benefits budgeting, financial projections, and account reconciliations.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to improve processes, strengthen data accuracy, and streamline benefits administration.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration, with strong subject matter expertise in benefits programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of benefits-related regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, FICA, Section 125, FMLA, FLSA, and HIPAA.
• Experience coordinating employee benefits presentations, open enrollment activities, and individual benefits consultations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and vendors, including participation in renewals and negotiations.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes, benefits deductions, payroll reconciliation, and auditing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and managing employee benefits data.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred:

• Experience using UKG for benefits administration, payroll coordination, or HR reporting.
• SHRM or HRCI professional certification.
• Previous experience supporting benefits programs within nonprofit, healthcare, social services, or community-focused organizations.
• Familiarity with 403(b) retirement plans and pension administration.

Additional Details:

• Hybrid work arrangement based in Chicago's West Loop.
• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday.
• Reports directly to senior Human Resources leadership.

Perks:

• Mission-Driven Organization: Join a workplace focused on making a positive impact in the community.
• Collaborative Team Culture: Work alongside supportive colleagues who value teamwork and shared success.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work.
• Convenient West Loop Location: Work in a professional office environment with onsite parking available.
• Leadership Exposure: Partner closely with senior HR leadership and contribute to benefits strategy and improvements.
• Established Organization: Join a longstanding nonprofit with a strong community presence and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution.