Employee Benefits Manager

Cincinnati Zoo • Cincinnati, OH

13h

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. Working within the direction established by the Director of Human Resources, the position uses initiative, judgment, and subject-matter knowledge to complete work, resolve issues, improve processes, and provide accurate and 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 that support employees and their families across physical, emotional, financial, social, and professional well-being. It works closely with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, organizational leaders, employees, benefit consultants, carriers, and vendors, contributing analysis, recommendations, and operational expertise while ensuring assigned responsibilities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements.

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, including the ability to explain complex programs and requirements clearly.
• 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 participate in occasional meetings, employee education sessions, enrollment activities, or organizational events outside the regular work schedule.
• 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 working within 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 programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement, employee assistance, leave-related benefits, voluntary benefits, workers' compensation, and other employee resources.
• Gather information, review employee feedback, identify trends, and develop practical recommendations to evaluate and improve benefit and well-being programs.
• Coordinate assigned components of annual benefits planning, renewals, and open enrollment, including plan documentation, employee communications, system testing, enrollment support, and vendor coordination.
• Respond to employee benefit questions and sensitive benefit-related matters, providing accurate and compassionate support and 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, cost information, and vendor service results for assigned programs.
• Develop employee communications and educational resources that make benefits and well-being programs easier to understand, access, and use.
• Coordinate with brokers, consultants, carriers, and vendors on service issues, implementation activities, renewals, and employee support.
• Support workers' compensation administration, documentation, claims coordination, and related employee communication.
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local requirements and identify changes that may affect 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; support compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, and other relevant requirements.
• Identify potential compliance, service, or operational concerns; research information, recommend solutions, and elevate significant issues promptly.
• Assist with internal and external audits and respond to benefit-related information requests.
• Help develop and maintain policies, procedures, and employee resources that support accurate, consistent, and 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 concerning benefit costs, participation, utilization, service levels, and program effectiveness.
• Analyze data, identify patterns or discrepancies, and present findings and practical recommendations.
• Document processes and maintain effective 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 the employee and manager experience.
• Provide employees with knowledgeable guidance about assigned benefits and available well-being resources.
• Prepare practical information and tools to help leaders support employees and apply benefit-related processes consistently.
• Collaborate across departments while maintaining confidentiality, professional judgment, and respect for decision-making authority.
• Communicate complex or technical information clearly and practically to employees and leaders.
• Build trust through accuracy, responsiveness, empathy, discretion, and reliable follow-through, and promote awareness and effective use of the Zoo's benefits and Total Well-Being resources.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow issues through resolution, anticipate needs, identify risks or opportunities, and act proactively within the position's authority.
• Make routine decisions independently, bring analysis and recommendations forward for decisions requiring broader authority, build productive relationships, adapt to changing priorities, and support the Zoo's mission and an inclusive workplace culture.

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 the date of hire.

What This Job Offers

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