American Kennel Club
The Benefits Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, administering, and maintaining AKC’s employee benefits package. Their primary goal is to create and manage a comprehensive suite of benefits that attract, retain, and motivate top talent while remaining compliant with all legal requirements and fiscal responsibility. This role encompasses awareness of the organization’s strategic plan and day-to-day operational execution.
Hybrid role in our Raleigh, NC office.
Primary Job Duties
Program Design and Strategy: Research, evaluate, and recommend comprehensive benefits programs (including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) and other retirement plans, and wellness initiatives) and present to senior leadership to ensure competitive offerings.
Administration: Manage the day-to-day operations of all benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and terminations for both active employees and retirees. This includes partnering with the Director of HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and, when necessary, managing the transfer of data to external vendors.
Vendor Management: Identify, negotiate with, and manage relationships with external partners, such as insurance brokers and benefits vendors, to ensure cost‑effective and high‑quality services.
Compliance: Monitor changes and work with the plan’s custodian and other advisors, ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations for all plans and programs (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA). Partner with the Finance Team for annual audits and government filings.
Employee Communication and Support: Design and distribute clear, employee‑friendly communication materials (e.g., benefit guides, summary plan descriptions) and conduct information sessions (e.g., new hire orientations, annual open enrollment meetings) to educate employees on their options and utilization. Serve as the main point of contact for benefits questions and troubleshooting issues.
Financial Management and Analysis: Prepare and manage the benefits budget, monitor expenses, and analyze claims utilization data, costs, and trends to recommend plan improvements and cost‑control measures. Maintain accurate records and prepare monthly and ad‑hoc reports, review monthly invoices, and submit for approval.
Leave Management: Oversee the administration of all leave policies, including FMLA and short/long‑term disability, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
Required Skills, Specialized Knowledge, And Competency Requirements
Ability to thrive on a small HR team—strategic thinker who is also hands‑on with day‑to‑day benefits administration.
Minimum of 5 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness initiatives.
In‑depth understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA).
Highly effective written and verbal communicator with proven ability to convey complex information clearly to executive leadership, internal stakeholders, vendors, and employees.
Exceptional organizational, problem‑solving, and project management abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms: UKG highly preferred.
Working knowledge of retirement and pension plans preferred.
Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR) is preferred.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Human Resources
Industries
Non‑profit Organization Management
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Hybrid role in our Raleigh, NC office.
Primary Job Duties
Program Design and Strategy: Research, evaluate, and recommend comprehensive benefits programs (including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) and other retirement plans, and wellness initiatives) and present to senior leadership to ensure competitive offerings.
Administration: Manage the day-to-day operations of all benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and terminations for both active employees and retirees. This includes partnering with the Director of HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and, when necessary, managing the transfer of data to external vendors.
Vendor Management: Identify, negotiate with, and manage relationships with external partners, such as insurance brokers and benefits vendors, to ensure cost‑effective and high‑quality services.
Compliance: Monitor changes and work with the plan’s custodian and other advisors, ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations for all plans and programs (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA). Partner with the Finance Team for annual audits and government filings.
Employee Communication and Support: Design and distribute clear, employee‑friendly communication materials (e.g., benefit guides, summary plan descriptions) and conduct information sessions (e.g., new hire orientations, annual open enrollment meetings) to educate employees on their options and utilization. Serve as the main point of contact for benefits questions and troubleshooting issues.
Financial Management and Analysis: Prepare and manage the benefits budget, monitor expenses, and analyze claims utilization data, costs, and trends to recommend plan improvements and cost‑control measures. Maintain accurate records and prepare monthly and ad‑hoc reports, review monthly invoices, and submit for approval.
Leave Management: Oversee the administration of all leave policies, including FMLA and short/long‑term disability, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
Required Skills, Specialized Knowledge, And Competency Requirements
Ability to thrive on a small HR team—strategic thinker who is also hands‑on with day‑to‑day benefits administration.
Minimum of 5 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness initiatives.
In‑depth understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA).
Highly effective written and verbal communicator with proven ability to convey complex information clearly to executive leadership, internal stakeholders, vendors, and employees.
Exceptional organizational, problem‑solving, and project management abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms: UKG highly preferred.
Working knowledge of retirement and pension plans preferred.
Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR) is preferred.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Human Resources
Industries
Non‑profit Organization Management
#J-18808-Ljbffr