Senior Benefits Specialist

RTI International•Raleigh, NC

6d•$110,000 - $140,000

About The Position

RTI International is seeking a Senior Benefits Specialist to lead and manage complex benefits projects and advance the organization’s employee benefits programs. The role oversees program administration and compliance, conducts data analysis and reporting to support decisions and program improvements, and provides expert guidance and training to employees. The specialist also mentors team members, collaborates across functions, and contributes to initiatives supporting employee wellbeing and engagement. The role manages benefits programs and operations, including health insurance, retirement, retiree health, time off, disability, and leave of absence. It shapes benefits strategy, evaluates market trends and employee feedback, coordinates enrollment and vendors, maintains compliance controls and documentation, and advises employees and leadership on benefits matters. A preferred focus is retirement plan administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and eight years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a bachelor’s degree is considered equivalent to six years of directly related experience.
Strong working knowledge of retirement and retiree health benefits plans, FMLA, absence and disability management, applicable regulations, general accounting, business practices, and benefits communication.
Strong experience in benefits program management and administration, including program development and implementation.
In-depth knowledge of benefits compliance and regulations, including HIPAA, ERISA, SECURE, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems, strong analytical and project management skills, and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate across functions, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
Commitment to employee wellbeing and keeping current on industry trends and best practices.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications.
Knowledge of data privacy regulations.
Preferred focus on retirement plan administration.

Responsibilities

Lead complex benefits projects, including annual Open Enrollment and retirement and retiree health plan activities.
Develop and administer benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement, retiree health, time off, disability, and leave of absence.
Shape benefits strategy in alignment with business objectives and use market trends, benchmarks, and employee feedback to enhance programs, optimize costs, and support engagement and talent attraction and retention.
Oversee benefits operations, including enrollment, eligibility, claims, and vendor coordination, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Ensure compliance with benefits laws and regulations; work with legal and compliance teams on documentation, audits, and regulatory inquiries.
Maintain standard operating procedures and controls so benefits plans are administered in HRIS systems according to company policies, plan documents, and vendor contracts.
Analyze benefits data, trends, metrics, and utilization and deliver reports and insights to support decisions, program evaluation, cost savings, and employee experience.
Serve as a subject matter expert in retirement and retiree health benefits and resolve complex employee inquiries and issues.
Develop and deliver benefits training, workshops, and communications.
Mentor and develop junior team members and support complex cases and problem-solving.
Collaborate with HR teams and other functions to align benefits with HR strategy and improve employee experience and wellbeing.
Advise senior leadership on benefits matters.