Senior Benefits Consultant

Senior Benefits ConsultantThe Senior Benefits Consultant serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert responsible for the design, optimization, governance, and execution of Arkansas Children's employee benefits and wellbeing programs. This role partners with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to develop and implement innovative, data-driven benefits strategies that enhance the employee experience and support workforce attraction, retention, engagement, and organizational sustainability. The Senior Benefits Consultant leads complex initiatives related to benefits strategy, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness while serving as a trusted resource for leaders, HR Business Partners, and team members across the enterprise.Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of employee benefits programs, including health, welfare, retirement, wellbeing, and ancillary offerings.Serve as a strategic consultant to HR leaders, HR Business Partners, and organizational stakeholders on benefits strategy, workforce needs, market trends, and program effectiveness.Conduct market benchmarking, competitive analyses, and industry research to ensure benefits offerings remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational objectives.Manage vendor relationships, performance, and service delivery while supporting contract negotiations, renewals, and continuous improvement initiatives.Analyze benefits utilization, claims, enrollment, and workforce data to identify trends, develop recommendations, and support data-driven decision making.Partner with Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and effective governance of benefits programs.Develop business cases, executive presentations, reporting, and strategic recommendations to support benefits and total rewards initiatives.Lead employee communication and education strategies, including annual enrollment, program launches, and ongoing benefits awareness efforts.Manage complex benefits projects, system enhancements, process improvements, vendor implementations, and organizational change initiatives.Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility, collaboration, and a service-oriented approach consistent with Arkansas Children's mission and values.High school diploma or general education degree (GED)Bachelor's Degree, Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) - International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - HRCI, SHRM-CP - SHRM