Specialist, Benefits

Specialist, Benefits - HB08CEWe’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future. We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Benefits Specialist to support the administration and continuous improvement of our retirement, wellbeing, and health & welfare programs. In this role, you will work across benefits operations, vendor management, reporting, employee support, and communications to help deliver programs that meet employee needs and support business priorities. This opportunity is ideal for a professional with 3–5 years of relevant experience who wants to deepen their expertise in benefits while building a broader career path within the Total Rewards function.This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful employee programs while gaining exposure to a broad range of benefits and Total Rewards activities. You’ll join a collaborative environment where you can continue to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and build toward future opportunities across the Total Rewards function.Benefits Administration & OperationsSupport administration of retirement, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness programs with a strong focus on accuracy, service, and process consistencyResolve employee benefit questions and issues independently when appropriate, while escalating more complex matters as neededMonitor participant issues, identify patterns, and recommend process improvements to enhance service deliveryManage invoice processing, record maintenance, and other operational activities that support effective program administrationVendor & Program SupportPartner with external benefits vendors on routine administration, issue resolution, and service coordinationMonitor vendor service performance and escalate trends or concerns for reviewContribute to vendor updates, annual enrollment readiness, and ongoing program changesCompliance & Risk ManagementSupport compliance-related processes by maintaining records and following established proceduresMaintain plan files, documentation, and standard process materialsPrepare standard reports and supporting documentationData Analysis & ReportingCompile and analyze benefits data to support recurring reporting, trend monitoring, and team decision-makingPrepare routine and ad hoc reports for internal stakeholders using benefits, vendor, and employee support dataReview participation, utilization, and service data to identify opportunities to enhance employee experience and program effectivenessEmployee Experience & CommunicationsDevelop and distribute benefits communications and education materials that are clear, timely, and audience-appropriateAssist during annual enrollment, including testing, employee support, and issue resolutionSupport employee awareness of benefits programs through clear, timely, and audience-appropriate communicationsProject SupportSupport projects related to benefits administration, process improvement, systems enhancements, and vendor implementationsTrack project deliverables and contribute to execution of assigned workstreamsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience3–5 years of experience in benefits, HR, Total Rewards, finance, or a related analytical or operations roleStrong attention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to manage recurring responsibilities independently, apply sound judgment, and maintain accuracy in a detail-oriented environmentWorking knowledge of health and welfare benefits and employee support processesProficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and OutlookPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting employee benefits, Total Rewards, HR operations, or related workforce programsFamiliarity with HR systems, case management tools, or benefits administration platformsFoundational knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts and an interest in applying AI-enabled tools to improve reporting, employee support, communications, or process efficiency within HR or Total RewardsAbility to apply new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, with sound judgment, attention to data quality, and a focus on improving the employee experienceInterest in building broader knowledge across the Total Rewards function, including benefits, wellbeing, retirement, and leave programsDemonstrated curiosity and growth mindset to support career progression within Total RewardsHow You’ll Stand OutAttention to Detail: Maintains accuracy in benefits administration, reporting, and documentationCollaboration: Works effectively with teammates, vendors, and internal partnersContinuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies opportunities to strengthen processes, service delivery, and employee experienceProblem Solving: Applies judgment to resolve issues, identify root causes, and escalate appropriatelyCustomer Focus: Delivers a positive employee experienceLearning Agility: Expands knowledge across benefits programs and develops broader understanding of the Total Rewards function over timeWhy This RoleSupports a broad range of benefits activities within a structured and collaborative Total Rewards environmentWorks with increasing independence while building expertise that supports future growth within Total RewardsEngages regularly with HR team members, employees, and external vendorsOffers career development potential into broader Total Rewards areasThis role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement. Candidates who live near one of our offices and will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday). Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise.CompensationThe listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:$80,000 - $120,000Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/AgeAbout Us | Our Culture | What It’s Like to Work Here | Perks & BenefitsSummaryLocation: Hartford, CT; United States - Remote; Chicago, ILType: Full time