Benefits Generalist (Immediate Opening)

Benefits Generalist

The Benefits Generalist plays a key role in ensuring that all IDEA Public Schools staff have access to accurate, timely, and engaging information about their benefits throughout the employee lifecycle. This role leads the execution of IDEA's Annual Open Enrollment communication plan, supports new hire benefits onboarding, and delivers year-round engagement campaigns in partnership with the Wellness and Communications teams.

The Benefits Generalist also serves as a Tier 2 customer service agent in Zendesk for benefits-related inquiries, creates and maintains employee-facing content, and supports recruitment efforts by ensuring candidate-facing platforms (e.g., Careers page) and recruiter tools are accurate and up to date. This is a full-time, remote/on-site hybrid role, with preference given to candidates based in Texas. Travel may be required. This position reports to the Benefits Administration Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No direct supervisory responsibilities

Location: This is a full-time position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate. Travel to IDEA training events or step-back may be required.

Essential Duties:

• Lead the Annual Open Enrollment communication plan, including managing timelines, creating content, updating HUB resources, and ensuring returning staff complete elections
• Ensure 100% of new hires receive benefits onboarding communication and presentation access within their first 10 business days
• Host bi-weekly new hire presentations and deliver monthly Brunch & Learn sessions on benefits and wellness topics
• Maintain and update benefits-related content on the IDEA HUB, Careers page, and recruiter materials
• Develop campaign materials (e.g., emails, posts, blurbs) to drive awareness of benefits and wellness programs
• Serve as a Tier 2 agent in Zendesk for all benefits-related inquiries, resolving tickets within SLA and escalating issues as needed
• Collaborate with Wellness, Recruitment, HRIS, Communications, and third-party vendors (e.g., McGriff, PEC) to ensure accurate information and consistent outreach

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

· Run and maintain reports on Open Enrollment progress, new hire enrollment, presentation attendance, and Tier 2 ticket trends

· Track team milestones, share campaign updates, and report out progress during weekly tactical and PTG meetings

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies:

• Make Strategic Decisions: This individual is able to gather relevant information, consider various options, and make choices that are in line with their current responsibilities and the team's goals.
• Manage Work and Teams: This individual focuses on managing their own work effectively. They develop skills in time management, task prioritization, and self-organization, ensuring that they meet their personal objectives and contribute effectively to their teams.
• Grow Self and Others: This individual actively seeks feedback, embraces challenges as learning opportunities, and engages in professional development activities to enhance their own skills and performance.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This individual focuses on awareness of their own emotional states and biases. They practice transparency and honesty in their interactions, contributing positively to team morale and trust.
• Communicate Deliberately: This individual can express ideas clearly and listen actively. They practice direct communication in their daily interactions and can adjust message based on immediate feedback and audience understanding with support.

Additional Skills:

· Experience with Zendesk or other ticketing systems

· Comfort speaking to large or virtual audiences

· Knowledge of benefits programs, Open Enrollment workflows, and onboarding best practices

· Familiarity with HRIS, benefits enrollment platforms, and digital communications

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

· Certification (CBP, CEBS, or related) a plus

Required experience:

· Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or related field. Experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.

· 1–2 years of experience in benefits, employee communications, or HR support

· Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

· Excellent time management and attention to detail

· High empathy and service orientation, with ability to explain benefits clearly

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data/reporting tools

Preferred experience:

· SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CCP, CBP, CPP, or CEBS professional designations preferred

Physical Requirements:

· Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.

· Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

· Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 15 pounds (occasionally)

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits: Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $58,400 and $67,200, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here:

IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.