Virtual Employee Benefits Manager

Position Type: Full-time, Remote
Annual Salary: $82,887

Job Overview

We seek a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced Employee Benefits Manager to join our team remotely. In this role, you will administer, manage, and optimize the organization’s employee benefits programs. You will serve as a key advisor on benefits-related matters, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining competitive benefits packages, and delivering outstanding service to employees.

As a virtual Employee Benefits Manager, you will work closely with HR, payroll, and finance departments to oversee the benefits management cycle, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), wellness programs, and more. Your primary responsibility is ensuring employees understand and utilize their benefits effectively while ensuring the organization complies with applicable laws and regulations.

This remote position offers flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to work with a diverse and distributed workforce. You will be expected to maintain excellent communication, pay attention to detail, and continuously explore ways to improve our benefits offerings.

Key Responsibilities

1. Employee Benefits Administration

• Administer and manage the company’s full range of employee benefits programs, including but not limited to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans (401k or other), and wellness programs.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of benefits programs, ensuring smooth enrollment, changes, terminations, and ongoing compliance with plan documents and policies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employees’ benefits-related inquiries, promptly and professionally addressing questions, concerns, and issues.
• Develop and distribute communications regarding employee benefits programs, policy changes, enrollment periods, and wellness initiatives.

2. Compliance and Legal Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits, including ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, and others.
• Partner with legal and HR teams to develop policies and practices that minimize risk while ensuring the organization meets its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Regular audits of benefits programs should be conducted to identify potential compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.

3. Benefits Strategy and Optimization

• Collaborate with leadership and HR to design competitive benefits programs that align with the organization’s goals, culture, and values.
• Conduct regular reviews of benefits plans, analyze industry trends, and benchmark data to ensure the organization remains competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
• Negotiate with vendors and service providers to secure the company's best benefits offerings, managing costs while ensuring high-quality options for employees.
• Implement wellness initiatives and programs to enhance employee well-being and engagement, reduce healthcare costs, and promote a healthy work environment.

4. Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of employee benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring that information is processed efficiently and stored securely.
• Prepare and present reports to leadership regarding benefits usage, costs, trends, and compliance matters.
• Utilize HRIS and benefits management software to manage data, generate reports, and ensure seamless integration between benefits and payroll functions.

5. Employee Education and Support

• Develop and deliver educational materials, presentations, and workshops to help employees understand their benefits options, coverage details, and any changes to programs.
• Provide individualized support to employees regarding their benefits, assisting with enrollment, resolving issues, and clarifying policy terms.
• Assist new hires during the onboarding process with benefits enrollment and offer ongoing support throughout the employment lifecycle.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in employee benefits management or a related HR function, preferably in a remote or distributed work environment.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations such as ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and FMLA, with a proven ability to ensure compliance.
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits management software, with the ability to learn new systems quickly and adapt to technology-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex benefits information clearly and effectively to employees at all levels.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving benefits issues or employee concerns.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced remote environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is highly desirable.
• Experience managing benefits programs for a distributed or remote workforce.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and how benefits programs contribute to employee retention and satisfaction.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive annual salary of $82,887.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Retirement savings plans with company contributions.
• Wellness programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health resources.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to certifications and ongoing training.
• Fully remote work, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.