The Brookings Institution
Benefits Manager, Leave and Retirement Programs (Job ID: 2025-3695)
The Brookings Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Benefits Manager, Leave and Retirement Programs (Job ID: 2025-3695) at The Brookings Institution. This position is hybrid, located in Washington, DC with two days of remote work per week. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration of leave, life, disability, and retirement benefit programs (FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, state/employer-paid family leave, Workers’ Compensation, LOA, alternative work arrangements, life insurance, and retirement plans 403(b), 457(b), 457(f)). The role ensures legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high-quality service through vendor coordination, systems oversight, data integrity, employee education, and cross-functional collaboration. This position serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for all supported benefit areas. This position reports to the Director of Benefits. Responsibilities
Benefit Program Administration (35%): administer the full lifecycle of leave, life, disability, and retirement programs; ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ADA, HIPAA, FMLA); co-lead open enrollment, wellness initiatives, and employee engagement events with the Director of Benefits; monitor leave usage and explain impact on related benefits; collaborate with Payroll, Finance, HRIS, and Legal to ensure timely and accurate processing and issue resolution; support annual renewal processes including rate reviews, plan design, and new offerings. Vendor & Systems Management (20%): manage relationships with third-party vendors and carriers; monitor vendor performance and resolve service or data issues; oversee benefit-related modules; collaborate with HRIS, Finance, and Payroll on system projects (configuration, testing, vendor transitions, compliance-driven changes, file integrations, enhancements); ensure funding and billing processes are accurate and timely. Data Integrity & Auditing (15%): maintain data accuracy through regular audits of enrollments, claims, eligibility, and payroll deductions; reconcile data between internal systems and vendor platforms; resolve interface file issues; maintain documentation including SPDs, plan summaries, business continuity protocols, and compliance notices. Employee Communication & Support (15%): serve as primary contact and SME for employees, HR Business Partners, and leadership on leave, life, disability, and retirement benefits; provide individualized support on claims, plan selection, eligibility, and utilization; deliver educational materials, conduct new hire benefits orientation, and train HR staff; maintain intranet content and manage the benefits ticketing system with timely and empathetic responses. Compliance & Reporting (10%): ensure adherence to regulatory requirements; assist with reports, plan filings, audits, and internal reviews; stay updated on benefit laws and recommend policy or procedural updates. Process Improvement (5%): lead periodic reviews of benefits administration workflows to increase efficiency and automation; document procedures and educate colleagues; perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Education/Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and related work experience and certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CBP, CEBS, or GBA). Eight years of HR-related experience; five years of benefits administration experience with increasing responsibility preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel strong); HRMS experience preferred. Strong project and time management; excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge/Skill Requirements: In-depth benefits administration knowledge; familiarity with ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, COBRA; ability to generate and analyze data to drive processes; superior client service mindset; ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently and in a collaborative HR team; strong critical thinking, problem-solving, technology, and analytical skills; discretion and sound judgment handling sensitive HR matters; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; proficiency in Microsoft Office; mathematical and analytical aptitude. Additional Information
Brookings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits. Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume as one document when applying. If applying to more than one Brookings job, include a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in all forms. All selection decisions are based on merit, skills, abilities and experience. Authorized to work in the U.S. is required.
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Benefits Manager, Leave and Retirement Programs (Job ID: 2025-3695) at The Brookings Institution. This position is hybrid, located in Washington, DC with two days of remote work per week. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration of leave, life, disability, and retirement benefit programs (FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, state/employer-paid family leave, Workers’ Compensation, LOA, alternative work arrangements, life insurance, and retirement plans 403(b), 457(b), 457(f)). The role ensures legal compliance, operational efficiency, and high-quality service through vendor coordination, systems oversight, data integrity, employee education, and cross-functional collaboration. This position serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for all supported benefit areas. This position reports to the Director of Benefits. Responsibilities
Benefit Program Administration (35%): administer the full lifecycle of leave, life, disability, and retirement programs; ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ADA, HIPAA, FMLA); co-lead open enrollment, wellness initiatives, and employee engagement events with the Director of Benefits; monitor leave usage and explain impact on related benefits; collaborate with Payroll, Finance, HRIS, and Legal to ensure timely and accurate processing and issue resolution; support annual renewal processes including rate reviews, plan design, and new offerings. Vendor & Systems Management (20%): manage relationships with third-party vendors and carriers; monitor vendor performance and resolve service or data issues; oversee benefit-related modules; collaborate with HRIS, Finance, and Payroll on system projects (configuration, testing, vendor transitions, compliance-driven changes, file integrations, enhancements); ensure funding and billing processes are accurate and timely. Data Integrity & Auditing (15%): maintain data accuracy through regular audits of enrollments, claims, eligibility, and payroll deductions; reconcile data between internal systems and vendor platforms; resolve interface file issues; maintain documentation including SPDs, plan summaries, business continuity protocols, and compliance notices. Employee Communication & Support (15%): serve as primary contact and SME for employees, HR Business Partners, and leadership on leave, life, disability, and retirement benefits; provide individualized support on claims, plan selection, eligibility, and utilization; deliver educational materials, conduct new hire benefits orientation, and train HR staff; maintain intranet content and manage the benefits ticketing system with timely and empathetic responses. Compliance & Reporting (10%): ensure adherence to regulatory requirements; assist with reports, plan filings, audits, and internal reviews; stay updated on benefit laws and recommend policy or procedural updates. Process Improvement (5%): lead periodic reviews of benefits administration workflows to increase efficiency and automation; document procedures and educate colleagues; perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Education/Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and related work experience and certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CBP, CEBS, or GBA). Eight years of HR-related experience; five years of benefits administration experience with increasing responsibility preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel strong); HRMS experience preferred. Strong project and time management; excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge/Skill Requirements: In-depth benefits administration knowledge; familiarity with ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, COBRA; ability to generate and analyze data to drive processes; superior client service mindset; ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently and in a collaborative HR team; strong critical thinking, problem-solving, technology, and analytical skills; discretion and sound judgment handling sensitive HR matters; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; proficiency in Microsoft Office; mathematical and analytical aptitude. Additional Information
Brookings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits. Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume as one document when applying. If applying to more than one Brookings job, include a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in all forms. All selection decisions are based on merit, skills, abilities and experience. Authorized to work in the U.S. is required.
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