Human Resources Associate, Benefits | Human Resources

Rockefeller University•New York, NY

About The Position

The Human Resources Associate, Benefits supports the administration of The Rockefeller University’s employee benefits programs and coordinates wellness and learning and development activities. Reporting to the Director of Benefits, the associate serves as a primary resource for employees and collaborates with the Assistant Director of Benefits to provide guidance on benefits, leaves of absence, retirement, and professional development opportunities. The role also maintains accurate records and supports effective program operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least five years of progressive Human Resources experience, with specific exposure to automated benefits administration, data file feeds, state leave laws, and professional development programs.
Solid understanding of FMLA, New York Paid Family Leave, COBRA compliance, and disability administration.
High proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Experience coordinating large-scale logistics for events such as corporate benefits fairs, vendor seminars, or interactive wellness workshops.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
Proactive, customer-service-oriented approach and willingness to take initiative.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and follow through on assignments.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and across all organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience at a higher education or research institution.
Strong knowledge of Oracle EBS (HRIS).
Readiness to learn Form 5500 compliance and audit procedures.
Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Coordinate leave administration for staff and academic personnel, including FMLA leave, New York Paid Family Leave, short-term disability, and workers’ compensation; guide employees on eligibility, required documentation, and return-to-work timelines.
Support monitoring the HR inbox and responding promptly to employee inquiries.
Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and rehires, explain plan options and eligibility requirements, and assist with health plan elections.
Administer benefits enrollment and changes with HRIS colleagues, including qualifying life events, enrollment corrections and certifications, new hire and midyear enrollments or terminations, and manual enrollment changes.
Meet with employees preparing for retirement to review benefits options, assist retirees approaching age 65 with Medicare enrollment, and maintain retirement checklists and timelines in English and Spanish.
Track retirement annuity eligibility and dependent coverage ending at age 26, and process related changes.
Run, monitor, and troubleshoot weekly benefits interfaces and vendor data feeds; research and resolve discrepancy, life event, rollback, invalid Social Security number, and missing Benefits Interface ID reports.
Review monthly vendor invoices and process payments; handle benefits-related transactions including COBRA checks, weekly ACH payments, rebates, refunds, and miscellaneous checks.
Process tuition reimbursement payments.
Coordinate the preparation and mailing of required COBRA notices and audit COBRA participant enrollment and termination lists.
Support annual Open Enrollment planning and communications, including campus-wide announcements and automated enrollment reminders.
Lead logistics for the annual Benefits Fair and coordinate with participating vendors.
Plan and coordinate Wellness Works events to encourage employee participation and engagement.
Coordinate on-campus financial consulting sessions and conduct outreach to University departments to support financial well-being.
Maintain and expand the University’s employee-discount vendor network.
Maintain and promote the centralized learning and development website, keeping training resources current and accessible.
Coordinate the leadership development workshop partnership, work with instructors, manage registrations, and co-facilitate virtual instructor-led sessions.
Analyze workshop participation and demand to recommend future topics, schedules, and competency levels.
Handle sensitive personal and benefits information discreetly and exercise sound judgment in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Participate in special projects and provide administrative support across HR functions as departmental priorities evolve.