Benefits Manager

The Donohoe Companies•Bethesda, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a knowledgeable and hands-on Benefits Manager to administer and support a comprehensive benefits program for a diverse workforce spanning corporate offices, construction and facilities job sites, hotels, and commercial and residential properties — working closely with HR colleagues, brokers, carriers, vendors, and payroll to keep programs running accurately and compliantly every day. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, service-focused, and experienced in managing the day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs while providing excellent support to employees, managers, and HR partners. This position plays an important role in ensuring our programs run smoothly, remain compliant, and continue to meet the needs of our workforce. This isn’t just about administering benefits—it’s about shaping how employees experience support, security, and well-being at work. You’ll play a critical role in attracting and retaining talent while building programs that truly make a difference. Come join us to experience all the reasons why we were voted one of The Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field—or equivalent experience
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in benefits or HR, including leadership responsibilities
Deep knowledge of benefits administration, compliance, and industry best practices
Advanced proficiency in HRIS platforms and expert-level Excel skills
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable strategy
Exceptional communication skills with a customer-focused, approachable style
High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism

Nice To Haves

CEBS, CBP, SHRM-SCP/CP, SPHR/PHR certifications
Experience in construction, real estate, facilities, healthcare, or hospitality environments
Bilingual (Spanish) skills

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary resource for employees’ day-to-day benefits questions, providing clear answers, timely follow-through, and a consistent service experience.
Act as a trusted resource for employees, managers, and HR partners on benefits policies, processes, and programs.
Administer leave of absence and disability processes with care, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
Support employee engagement through clear communications, benefits education, and outreach initiatives.
Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life insurance, disability, 401(k), wellness, EAP, and commuter benefits.
Process enrollments, changes, terminations, payroll deductions, and vendor file transmissions accurately and on time.
Serve as the day-to-day liaison with brokers, insurance carriers, retirement vendors, and third-party administrators.
Coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system updates, and hands-on support.
Coordinate 401(k) advisory committee meetings and work with vendors and auditors.
Manage compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations; share relevant updates with the HR team and management.
Respond to audits and complete non-discrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, and the annual 1095 reporting process.
Maintain accurate benefits records, policies, procedures, and documentation.
Utilize HRIS platforms and advanced Excel reporting to execute invoicing, audits, census reporting, and benefits administration.
Track benefits utilization, costs, and trends; bring observations and practical recommendations to the VP of HR.
Keep internal platforms current; collaborate with the Communications Director and Benefits broker to produce open enrollment materials, benefits guides, and employee-facing resources.