Benefits Analyst

Equity Residential • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Equity Residential, we're dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we invite you to be part of our team. Embracing values like Diversity, Sustainability, and Total Wellbeing, we foster a workplace culture of authenticity and collaboration. The Benefits Analyst is a key member of the HR Operations team responsible for supporting and owning the day-to-day operations of the company’s health, welfare, and retirement programs. This role ensures programs are delivered accurately, efficiently, and with a strong employee experience. This position requires a high degree of ownership, critical thinking, and proactive problem-solving. The ideal candidate does not simply execute tasks but identifies issues, recommends solutions, and drives work to resolution in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors. Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Requirements

• 3+ years of benefits or HR experience with exposure to health & welfare and/or retirement plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends
• Experience working with benefit vendors and managing issue resolution
• Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups); ability to work with large data sets
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with a high level of independence
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex information clearly
• Experience with outsourced benefits administration

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field strongly preferred.
• HR or benefits certification (CEBS, PHR, etc.) preferred

Responsibilities

• Owns day-to-day administration of health, welfare, and 401(k) programs, ensuring accuracy and timely execution
• Serves as a primary point of contact for benefit vendors; manages inquiries, escalations, and follow-through
• Proactively monitors vendor performance and platform experience to ensure alignment with company expectations
• Verifies that issues are fully resolved and escalates when needed
• Investigates and resolves complex benefit and system issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions
• Identifies trends, risks, or gaps in processes and takes initiative to address them
• Recommends and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience
• Performs audits, reconciliations, and data validation across systems, vendors, and payroll
• Analyzes data to identify discrepancies, trends, and cost drivers
• Develops reports and provides insights to support decision-making
• Supports and coordinates compliance activities (e.g., audits, 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing)
• Ensures benefit plans are administered in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements
• Leads or supports key initiatives such as annual enrollment, vendor transitions, and plan changes
• Partners with Payroll, HRIT, Finance, and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes
• Resolves escalated employee inquiries with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and service
• Contributes to employee communications and ensures consistency between messaging and employee experience
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times.
• Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Works with protected health information and confidential data.
• Maintains employee confidence by keeping benefits information confidential.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Benefits

• discretionary annual 10.5% bonus is provided
• Medical care
• dental care
• vision care
• 9 paid holidays
• annual vacation time
• paid sick leave
• new parent benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Rent Discounts
• Competitive Compensation
• Paid Community Service Hours
• Leadership Development
• comprehensive wellness program
• pet insurance
• paid time off for community service projects
• Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees