Senior Benefits Manager

Berklee College of Music•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Human Resources is seeking a strategic, analytical, and empathetic Senior Benefits Manager to oversee the organization's employee benefits and leave of absence programs. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Benefits and Compensation, you will drive strategic planning, compliance, vendor management, and continuous process improvement across all benefits streams. In addition to leading total rewards execution, you will supervise the Benefits & Leaves Administrator, delivering a high-touch, supportive experience for our faculty and staff. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
5–7 years of benefits administration experience in a complex, fast-paced HR environment.
Deep working knowledge of employee benefits law, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and leave administration best practices.
Strong quantitative skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Demonstrated ability to manage and coach staff, handle confidential data with discretion, build institutional trust, and collaborate across departments.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with Workday HRIS is highly preferred.
Professional HR or benefits certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and evaluate competitive, cost-effective benefits plans, including health, dental, vision, retirement, FSAs/HSAs, life insurance, and wellness initiatives.
Lead annual open enrollment planning, communications, and system setup alongside the Senior Director.
Analyze utilization and claims data to identify cost-containment trends.
Partner with benefits brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers to monitor SLAs, negotiate annual renewals, and reconcile premium invoices.
Provide expert guidance across FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-paid family leave, military leave, workers' compensation, and institutional leave policies.
Ensure rigorous compliance with federal, state, and local standards, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and Medicare reporting.
Supervise and mentor the Benefits & Leaves Administrator.
Maintain pristine data integrity within Workday HRIS and build actionable reporting metrics.