Benefits Associate

Uncommon Schools • New York, NY

73d • $67,300 - $79,000

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference! As a Benefits Associate, you will play an essential role in supporting employees' well-being by providing clear guidance on health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. You will be part of a mission-driven HR team dedicated to empowering staff across regions, ensuring they feel supported and informed. In this role, your attention to detail and collaborative spirit will help strengthen employee experiences and contribute to the overall success of our organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
• 1-2 years of directly relevant experience in benefits administration, HR generalist work with benefits focus, data analysis, or HRIS configuration
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits clearly and empathetically
• Strong client service orientation and ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels
• Knowledge of federal and state-specific benefits laws (NY, NJ, MA) is a plus
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and strong Excel or Sheets skills
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms preferred
• Willingness to travel occasionally to schools across multiple regions for employee engagement and collaboration
• Minimal physical requirements; primarily desk work with occasional local travel

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level guidance to employees on health insurance, supplemental benefits, and plan changes with focus on accuracy and service
• Act as a liaison between employees and benefit vendors to resolve issues and enhance employee experience
• Support communication strategies for benefits education, including the annual open enrollment process
• Serve as a point of contact for ADA accommodation requests and coordinate interactive discussions to ensure compliance
• Assist with day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, leave benefits, and wellness initiatives
• Support pension and 403(b) retirement plan administration, including enrollments, changes, distributions, and compliance
• Collaborate with finance and payroll teams to ensure accurate processing of retirement contributions in line with regulations
• Partner with leadership and external consultants to analyze benefit trends and benchmark data
• Maintain benefits data accuracy in HRIS (Workday) and vendor systems through audits and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to improve system functionality and validate updates impacting benefits
• Maintain confidential records related to accommodation requests and other sensitive information
• Participate in HR projects including policy updates, vendor transitions, and process improvements

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees