Employee Benefits Manager

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

6d

About The Position

The Employee Benefits Manager is an experienced individual contributor who manages and administers assigned employee benefit, well-being, workers' compensation, and related compliance programs and processes under the direction of the Director of Human Resources. The position uses initiative, sound judgment, and subject-matter knowledge to complete work, resolve issues, improve processes, and provide accurate, responsive support. It does not supervise employees or hold overall responsibility for the Zoo's benefits and well-being strategy.

Grounded in a holistic Total Well-Being philosophy, the role helps deliver programs and resources supporting employees and their families across physical, emotional, financial, social, and professional well-being. The position works with Human Resources colleagues, Finance, Payroll, organizational leaders, employees, benefit consultants, carriers, and vendors, contributing analysis, recommendations, and operational expertise while ensuring assigned work is accurate, efficient, and compliant.

Responsibilities include administering benefit and well-being programs; supporting annual planning, renewals, and open enrollment; responding to employee questions; processing benefit transactions; coordinating vendor matters and workers' compensation administration; and supporting compliance activities, audits, records, and procedures. The manager also maintains benefit data and systems, prepares reports and analyses, manages assigned projects and process improvements, and provides guidance and educational resources to employees and leaders.

The position is full-time and salaried-exempt. Employees are eligible for the Zoo's benefits for non-union employees beginning the first of the month following their hire date. Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online application.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, well-being programs, or a closely related human resources specialty.
• Demonstrated experience administering employee benefit programs and working with brokers, carriers, consultants, and vendors.
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations related to employee benefits and protected employee information.
• Experience analyzing data, resolving complex administrative issues, and presenting findings or recommendations.
• Experience independently managing projects or processes from planning through implementation and follow-through.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration and related compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently within established direction, recognize when additional guidance is needed, and keep appropriate stakeholders informed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including interpreting data, researching issues, evaluating alternatives, and recommending practical solutions.
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, annual cycles, deadlines, and projects with limited day-to-day oversight.
• Strong program and project management skills, including organizing work, coordinating stakeholders, managing timelines, and completing assigned initiatives.
• Understanding of benefit costs, vendor arrangements, and the operational impact of benefit decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to explain complex programs and requirements clearly to employees and leaders.
• Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, consistency, accessibility, and an inclusive employee experience.
• Collaborative working style and ability to influence outcomes through expertise and trusted relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle protected employee information.
• Ability to work at a computer and review detailed reports, data, and plan materials for extended periods.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience with self-funded benefit plans, benefit renewals, workers' compensation, or well-being initiatives.
• Experience in a complex organization employing a combination of full-time, part-time, seasonal, hourly, and salaried employees.
• Familiarity with HR information systems, benefits administration platforms, payroll systems, and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer assigned employee benefit and well-being programs and complete recurring responsibilities accurately and on time.
• Support medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, employee assistance, leave-related, voluntary benefit, workers' compensation, and other employee resource programs.
• Gather information, review employee feedback, identify trends, and develop practical recommendations to improve benefit and well-being programs.
• Coordinate assigned components of annual benefits planning, renewals, and open enrollment, including plan documentation, communications, system testing, enrollment support, and vendor coordination.
• Respond to employee benefit questions and sensitive matters with accurate, compassionate support, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Process and review benefit eligibility, enrollments, changes, terminations, billing, reconciliations, and other administrative transactions; resolve discrepancies with internal and external partners.
• Monitor participation, utilization, employee feedback, costs, and vendor service results for assigned programs.
• Develop employee communications and educational resources about benefits and well-being programs.
• Coordinate with brokers, consultants, carriers, and vendors on service issues, implementations, renewals, and employee support.
• Support workers' compensation administration, documentation, claims coordination, and related employee communications.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local requirements and identify changes affecting Zoo practices.
• Coordinate assigned benefit notices, filings, disclosures, audits, plan documents, nondiscrimination testing, and other compliance activities.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, controls, and administrative procedures; identify potential compliance, service, or operational concerns and recommend solutions or escalate significant issues.
• Assist with internal and external audits and respond to benefit-related information requests.
• Help develop and maintain policies, procedures, and employee resources supporting accurate, consistent, compliant administration.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of employee benefit and well-being data.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, and technology resources to support accurate and efficient systems and processes.
• Prepare dashboards, reports, reconciliations, and metrics on benefit costs, participation, utilization, service levels, and program effectiveness; analyze findings and recommend practical actions.
• Document processes and maintain controls, calendars, and workflows for recurring activities.
• Independently manage assigned projects, including vendor implementations, system changes, program launches, renewals, communications, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify work, strengthen controls, and improve employee and manager experiences.
• Provide employees with guidance on assigned benefits and available well-being resources and prepare practical tools to help leaders support employees and apply processes consistently.
• Collaborate across departments while maintaining confidentiality, professional judgment, and respect for decision-making authority.
• Explain complex or technical information in a clear, practical, employee-friendly manner and promote awareness and effective use of Zoo benefits and Total Well-Being resources.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow issues through resolution, anticipate needs and risks, make routine decisions within authority, and bring forward analysis and recommendations for broader decisions.
• Build productive relationships with employees, leaders, and external partners; adapt to changing priorities while maintaining accuracy, service, and follow-through; support the Zoo's mission and a healthy, inclusive workplace.
• Participate in occasional meetings, employee education sessions, enrollment activities, or organizational events outside the regular work schedule.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Park discounts and free passes.
• Eligibility for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees beginning the first of the month following date of hire.

What This Job Offers

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