Benefits Branch Manager

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA's science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement,and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration, working together to bring space science to the world.

This position operates in a hybrid model. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

Position Overview

The Human Resources Department is seeking a Benefits Branch Manager to provide strategic leadership, oversight, and administration for the organization's comprehensive benefits programs and HRIS operations. This role is responsible for shaping and managing a forward-looking benefits strategy that supports a workforce of under 1,000 employees, with a strong emphasis on self-funded health and welfare plans.

The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of benefit plan design, cost containment strategies, vendor management, and data integrations. This leader will balance strategic planning with operational excellence, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and employee-centered benefits programs while optimizing systems and processes.

This position partners closely with leadership, payroll, and external advisors to align benefits strategy with organizational goals, financial stewardship, and employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Benefits Design

• Develop and execute a forward thinking benefits strategy aligned with organizational priorities, workforce needs, and financial objectives.
• Lead the design, evaluation, and optimization of medical plans, including stop-loss coverage, cost-containment initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Analyze claims, utilization, and market data to inform plan design, vendor selection, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead, mentor, and support HR team members, cultivating a positive work culture, and team of well-being, and continuous learning and innovation.

• Oversee relationships with brokers, TPAs, stop-loss carriers, and other benefits vendors; lead RFPs, contract negotiations, and performance evaluations.
• Partner with Finance to develop and manage benefits budgets, forecasts, and reserve strategies for self-funded plans.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining competitive and high-value offerings.

• Ensure effective administration of all benefits programs including health, retirement, disability, and wellness initiatives.
• Oversee and enhance the open enrollment strategy, including communications, decision support tools, and employee education.
• Provide escalated support for complex employee benefits issues, ensuring a high level of service and resolution.

• Provide strategic oversight of HRIS (UKG), ensuring system optimization, data integrity, and alignment with HR and payroll processes.
• Leverage HRIS and benefits data to generate insights, improve reporting, and support decision-making.
• Lead system enhancements, integrations, and process automation efforts.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Oversee audits, filings (e.g., Form 5500), nondiscrimination testing, and required reporting.
• Monitor legislative changes and proactively adjust programs and policies.

• Lead, mentor, and develop HR staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across benefits and HRIS functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5-7+ years of experience in benefits administration, experience with self-funded health plans not required but a preferred
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading benefits strategy and plan design
• Strong expertise in claims analysis, cost modeling, and vendor management
• Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) a plus.
• Deep knowledge of benefits compliance and regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
• Proven ability to translate data into strategic recommendations and executive-level insights
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing budgets and working closely with Finance on forecasting and cost control