Benefits Coordinator

Charles River Associates • Boston, MA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Charles River Associates (CRA) is a global consulting firm providing economic, financial, and business management expertise. The Human Capital team, with approximately 25 professionals, focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining talent. The Benefits & Mobility team is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive total rewards program. This role supports the daily administration of CRA’s health, welfare, and retirement benefit plans, staying updated on legal and regulatory requirements impacting company policies and employee benefits. The position reports to the Benefits Manager, Americas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (human resources, management, social sciences or similar), or equivalent relevant full-time work experience.
• Up to two years’ progressive work experience in benefits administration, experience in a professional services firm preferred.
• Solid understanding of health & welfare, 401(k), and ERISA plan regulations and compliance for multi-state and federal levels.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, with an intermediate level knowledge of Excel.
• Knowledge of Workday or comparable HRIS preferred.
• Excellent listening, verbal presentation, and written communication skills.
• Maintains the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Flexibility and resiliency in the face of change and business pressures with the ability to work in a high volume, fast paced environment with changing priorities.
• Process-improvement oriented.
• High standards of client service and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate strong initiative.
• Well-organized with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize, willing to ask questions and be a team player when necessary to effectively complete work.
• Ability to interpret benefit and company policies and apply them to individual situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a professional services firm preferred.
• Knowledge of Workday or comparable HRIS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration of global group benefit programs, including health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, life, flexible spending, retirement savings, and voluntary benefits.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefit options, eligibility, claims, and coverage.
• Partner with consultants and insurance carriers to resolve issues and guide employees to appropriate resources.
• Audit and reconcile benefits invoices for timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Collaborate with Payroll to ensure correct deductions and withholdings for employee benefits and related taxes.
• Administer the US commuter benefits program.
• Coordinate and conduct new hire benefits orientations.
• Partner with the HRIS team to support benefits-related system processes and data accuracy.
• Follow administrative procedures, recommend improvements, and update documentation.
• Coordinate with HRIS and Payroll teams to ensure policy and procedure adherence for information processing.
• Assist with compliance-related documentation, employee communications, and required government filings.
• Support benefit terminations for departing employees, including coordination with COBRA administrators.
• Support ongoing benefits audits and data validation efforts.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
• Serve as a Wellness Ambassador, championing and supporting CRA’s global wellness initiatives.
• Support the administration of CRA’s wellness program, including communications, newsletter, calendar maintenance, and coordination of challenges and webinars.
• Support the administration of global mobility programs, including employee transfers and immigration processes, as assigned.

Benefits

• Skills development programs
• Training annually through formal and informal programs
• Technical training
• Presentation skills training
• Internal seminars
• Career mentoring and performance coaching
• Leadership and collaboration opportunities through internal firm development activities
• Comprehensive total rewards program
• Superior benefits package
• Wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being
• In-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Paid parental leave
• Employee assistance resources
• Commuter benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level