Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Cushing Terrell•Boise, ID

4d•$90,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Cushing Terrell is hiring a Compensation and Benefits Partner to lead the day-to-day delivery of benefits, leave administration, and compensation programs for its multidisciplinary design firm. This full-time, hybrid role is based in the Boise, Idaho office, with a flexible in-office schedule. The position reports to the HR Operations Manager and serves as the primary day-to-day contact for benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators. The role administers a self-funded health plan; monitors medical and pharmacy claims trends; manages leave and accommodation cases; and resolves complex benefits, leave, and compensation questions for employees across multiple states. Compensation work includes maintaining job-leveling and pay-band structures, conducting market-pricing analysis, and coordinating the annual compensation review cycle. The position also leads recurring total rewards cycles, including open enrollment and plan renewals, from planning through employee communication. Success means benefits, leave, and compensation programs run accurately and on schedule, compliance filings are completed on time, and data is translated into clear options and recommendations for HR leadership. The role explains benefits in plain language and protects sensitive employee data. Travel of up to 15% per year is included. The expected salary range is $90,000 to $115,000 annually. The position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus. Actual pay depends on factors including experience, licensure status, location, proficiency, and other job-related factors, as permitted by law. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; visa sponsorship is not available. Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members. The company describes its work as creating sustainable systems and spaces and emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and a cohesive team. It offers a competitive benefits package and work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
8+ years of human resources experience, including benefits administration, leave administration, and compensation.
Experience administering self-funded health plans, including stop-loss coverage and Section 125 plans.
In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and workers' compensation requirements.
Hands-on compensation experience, including market pricing, job leveling, pay-band design, and pay equity analysis.
Proficiency with compensation platforms such as Payscale, HRIS and benefits administration systems, and Microsoft 365, including advanced Excel.
Experience supporting a multi-state employee population.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor work visas.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP or PHR certification.
CEBS or CCP certification, or progress toward either.
Experience in a professional services environment.
Project management experience leading recurring cycles such as open enrollment, renewals, and compensation reviews.
Familiarity with AI tools and emerging HR technology, and the ability to assess their practical use, risks, and fit.
Experience training others on benefits, leave, and compensation processes.

Responsibilities

Administer the firm's self-funded health plan, monitor medical and pharmacy claims and utilization trends, and flag issues to HR leadership.
Manage enrollment, eligibility, and communication for medical, flexible spending account, wellness, COBRA, and 401(k) retirement plans; lead open enrollment and annual renewals.
Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators; resolve issues and reconcile invoices.
Manage federal, state, and company leave programs, including FMLA, short-term disability, ADA accommodations, and workers' compensation claims, with return-to-work coordination.
Build and maintain job-leveling and pay-band structures, conduct market pricing and salary survey participation, and recommend level and band placement in partnership with talent acquisition.
Coordinate the annual compensation review cycle and support pay equity analysis; present findings and recommendations to HR leadership.
Manage ACA eligibility, reporting, and other compliance filings; monitor regulatory changes and lead regular audits of benefits and compensation records.
Strengthen total rewards programs by benchmarking benefits against peer organizations, improving process documentation, and training HR team members on benefits, leave, and compensation.
Lead recurring total rewards cycles, including open enrollment and plan renewals, from planning through employee communication.
Explain benefits in plain language and protect sensitive employee data.