Benefits Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.•Chicago, IL

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world, seeks an experienced Benefits Specialist for its office in Rosemont, IL. This role is crucial in developing and implementing the United Airlines Master Executive Council’s goals by offering professional and technical support to United Airlines pilots regarding their welfare and retirement benefit programs. The specialist will provide expertise on Group Life, Health, Dental, Disability, Retirement Plans (defined contribution and market-based cash balance), and Section 125 Plans. They will also foster relationships with company representatives, ALPA staff, and external service providers, including investment managers, trustees, TPAs, insurance brokers, CPAs, actuaries, and claims adjustors. The position involves supporting the pilot group with company- and union-sponsored employee benefit programs, acting as an in-house consultant to other MEC committees, and serving as a daily contact for individual pilots. Responsibilities include developing and conducting benefits seminars, preparing strategic communications, and collaborating with the company to resolve member benefits issues. A thorough understanding of benefits, current trends, and legislation is expected, along with continuous knowledge maintenance. The role requires local, national, and international travel (5-10%). ALPA is committed to diversity and inclusion and prohibits discrimination.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant area from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five (5) or more years of experience working in employee benefits required.
Working knowledge of the design, operation, and legal requirements of defined benefit plans; 401(k) plans; health plans; self-insured disability plans; and, other welfare benefits required.
Working knowledge of laws on benefits and compensation required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with MEC members, MEC committees, individual members, internal staff, and external contacts.
Experience preparing PowerPoint presentations and other strategic communications.
Experience in developing and planning a project from concept to go-live.
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.

Nice To Haves

Ten (10) or more years of experience strongly preferred.
Airline and/or union experience a plus.
Certification as an Employee Benefits Paralegal or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the United Airlines Master Executive Council’s goals by providing professional and technical support to United Airlines pilots in the understanding of the United welfare and retirement benefit programs.
Provide continuity by establishing relationships with company representatives, ALPA staff, and outside service providers.
Provide support to the pilot group concerning their company- and union-sponsored employee benefit programs.
Work closely with and support the members of the pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) Retirement & Insurance (R&I) Committee.
Function as an in-house consultant to other MEC committees in the area of employee benefits.
Serve as a daily contact in the MEC Office for individual pilots, providing information and assistance in the benefits area.
Develop and conduct regularly scheduled benefits-related seminars for pilots.
Prepare PowerPoint presentations and strategic communications.
Work with the company to resolve benefits issues for members.
Provide required benefit consulting expertise for the member or project under consideration.
Maintain knowledge of benefits, current trends, and legislation.

Benefits

401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.
No employee contribution required for 401k.
Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k).
The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule.
The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period.
Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children.
Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan.
15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year.
Generous sick and bereavement leave.
Competitive parental leave.
Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment.
Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts.
Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA).
Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses.
Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available).
Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.