Benefits Specialist

ISO New England, Inc•Holyoke, MA

11h•$105,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ISO New England is an independent system operator responsible for the safe and reliable flow of electricity in its region and for planning the future electric grid. The Benefits Specialist helps deliver an exceptional employee benefits experience and works closely with the Total Rewards & HRIS team, Finance, Legal, and external vendors. The role supports compliant and efficient administration of health insurance, life and disability benefits, voluntary benefits, retirement, leaves of absence, and accommodations. The Benefits Specialist leads operational execution, improves processes, and supports the organization’s total rewards strategy. The position calls for strong judgment and a consultative approach, including translating complex plan provisions into clear guidance for employees and managers. The role is based in the United States and has a hybrid schedule with three days per week onsite. If the successful candidate resides outside the United States, relocation will be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, Psychology, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience supporting a variety of benefit programs, including leaves of absence.
Working knowledge of benefits-related regulations and governance, such as ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA and state leave requirements, and ADA; ability to interpret and apply regulations and plan provisions.
Experience with HRIS or benefits administration platforms, such as Workday, Dayforce, Alight, Benefitfocus, or bswift, including testing, configurations, and file feeds.
Ability to manage highly sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize effectively, solve problems, and deliver on tight timelines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to the situation, message, and recipient.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Strong analytical and organizational skills and close attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree and/or HR or benefits certification(s).

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day administration and continuous improvement of benefit processes in alignment with employee experience, compliance, and benefits strategy.
Coordinate benefits operations, including enrollments, life events, vendor file feeds, and reconciliations; create and maintain standard operating procedures.
Serve as the primary contact and subject matter expert for selected benefits and processes, such as education reimbursement, pension processing, and retiree health benefits; own workflows, tracking, and communications.
Assist with leave of absence and accommodation administration, including timely follow-up, guidance for employees, managers, and Payroll, and vendor case management.
Manage day-to-day benefits vendor relationships, support efficient administration and process improvement, and escalate and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Create and distribute benefits communications that make complex topics clear for employees and leaders.
Lead annual open enrollment for active and retiree populations, including project planning, system readiness and testing, vendor coordination, and employee communications.
Lead assigned special projects and work with the Total Rewards team to implement strategic benefits initiatives.
Support benefits budgeting, annual benefits audits, invoice processing and reconciliation, and data collection and reporting.
Respond to employee and retiree inquiries, provide basic education on plan provisions and next steps, resolve issues, and escalate complex cases as needed.
Support the planning and coordination of benefits-related webinars, meetings, and required mailings.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline or automate routine processes.

Benefits

Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus.
Enhanced 401(k) with generous employer contributions and financial planning support.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
Wellness programs, including an onsite gym.
Flexible work hours.
Employee Business Networks.
Free coffee at the onsite cafe.
Distance-based relocation assistance available.
Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision.
Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
Student debt benefit.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Disability insurance.
Critical illness and hospital indemnity benefits.
Paid time off and paid leave.
Employee assistance program.
Other company perks.