Senior Benefits Manager

DEKA Research & Development Corp. is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Benefits Manager to lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the company's employee benefits programs. This role combines hands-on plan administration with strategic planning. The Senior Benefits Manager is a people-facing role, providing direct, in-person support to employees while partnering closely with Finance and outside consultants to develop competitive, cost-effective programs that align with DEKA's mission-driven culture and organizational goals.

• Plan Administration & Vendor Management
  • Oversee day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and supplemental benefits plans.
  • Manage relationships with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, TPAs, and wellness vendors - including contract negotiations, performance reviews, and escalation resolution.
  • Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including communications strategy, system configuration, employee education, and post-enrollment audits.
  • Ensure accurate and timely benefits data in HRIS; oversee eligibility, enrollment changes, and qualifying life events processing.
  • Administer leave programs including FMLA, short-term and long-term disability, and coordinate with payroll and managers.
• Strategic Planning & Benefits Design
  • Design and recommend new benefit programs or modifications to existing plans based on workforce demographics, employee feedback, regulatory changes, and industry trends.
  • Develop multi-year roadmaps for benefits program evolution, presenting recommendations and business cases to company leadership.
  • Evaluate and select benefit plan structures (HDHPs, traditional PPOs, etc.) with a focus on cost efficiency and employee value.
  • Partner with finance to model benefit cost scenarios, project annual spend, and set benefits budgets.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure all benefit plans comply with applicable federal and state regulations including FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and IRS requirements.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting employee benefits; communicate changes and update plan documents accordingly.
  • Serve as primary contact for benefits audits, government inquiries, and claim disputes.

• Employee Education & Communication
  • Develop and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications across all channels - email, intranet, in-person sessions, and print.
  • Conduct new hire benefits orientations and respond to employee inquiries with timely, accurate guidance.
  • Champion a culture of benefits literacy, helping employees maximize the value of their total compensation package.
  • Gather and act on employee feedback to continuously improve the benefits experience.
• Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Analyze benefits utilization, claims data, and cost trends to identify opportunities for program improvements and savings.
  • Produce regular reporting on benefits costs, participation rates, and KPIs for HR and Finance.
  • Leverage data insights to drive evidence-based decisions on plan design changes and wellness investments.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years in Human Resources or related field, including 5+ years of experience in employee benefits management.
• Demonstrated experience with benefits plan design and strategic planning - not just administration.
• Strong working knowledge of FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA and applicable federal/state employment laws.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and contract negotiations with carriers and brokers.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.

• Experience in a technology, research & development, or engineering-focused organization.
• Familiarity with self-funded health plan structures and experience working with TPAs.