Senior Benefits Specialist, Retirement

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

1d•$85,100 - $127,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Benefits Specialist administers our U.S.-based retirement programs, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, and financial wellness benefits. This role is responsible for compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, processing enrollments and distributions, and providing support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries and issues. The Senior Benefits Specialist will work closely with plan vendors, employees, and other stakeholders. The Senior Benefits Specialist will also serve as a subject matter expert on retirement benefits and provide guidance to both internal teams and employees. This position is based in our DC office and reports to the Director, Total Rewards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or related field
7 years’ experience in retirement, insurance benefits, financial planning, or actuarial services required
Strong knowledge of U.S. retirement plan regulations, including ERISA, IRS guidelines, and DOL requirements
In-depth understanding of pension plan administration, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and prepare detailed reports
Strong Excel and data manipulation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex retirement plan information to employees and senior management
Excellent customer service skills
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to read and understand complex plan documents
Ability to effectively prioritize competing tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and accuracy of deliverables
Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality
Proven track record of managing vendors and third-party administrators to enhance delivery of benefits and resolve employee issues
Ability to automate processes and improve efficiencies

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA), or similar certifications are a plus
experience with Workday preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements, as well as collectively bargained agreements, by monitoring regulatory changes, obtaining legal opinions, preparing and submitting government filings, coordinating plan amendments, and distributing legally required notices.
Process monthly pension payments by verifying pension calculations and data entry by third party administrators.
Lead retirement committee meetings by preparing agenda, reporting on the results of internal audits, executing action items from previous meetings, and distributing meeting notes.
Coordinate internal retirement plan audits with actuaries, plan administrators, auditors, and accountants and assist with preparing plan documents and schedules.
Enhance data accuracy in applicable systems and integrations by performing internal audits and resolving data discrepancies.
Execute plan design changes by coordinating with the HRIS and Integrations teams, vendors, and third-party administrators, testing system changes, and communicating changes to the employees.
Deliver excellent customer service and resolve employee benefits-related issues by coordinating with third party administrators, answering employee questions, and addressing data issues.
Educate employees about retirement programs by developing financial wellness initiatives, creating communication materials, and updating the retirement section on the company intranet.
Support management decision making by preparing benefits utilization reports, analyzing trends, recommending plan design enhancements, process changes, and wellness initiatives.
Complete payments to benefit providers by reconciling employee and vendor reports, submitting invoices, and resolving billing issues.