Compensation & Benefits Specialist

Job Summary

The Compensation & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, analysis, and continuous improvement of compensation and benefits programs that support the organization's business objectives. This role balances both tactical execution and strategic planning, while driving employee engagement and organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support benefits strategy development.
• Identify cost-containment opportunities.
• Support new vendor implementations.
• Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, life events, and annual open enrollment.
• Coordinate with benefit carriers, brokers, and third-party vendors to resolve issues and ensure service delivery.
• Assist with audits, reporting requirements, and regulatory filings.
• Develop and execute a year-round benefits communication strategy that increases employee understanding, appreciation, and utilization of the organization's benefits programs.
• Assess benefit program effectiveness and recommend enhancements that improve employee experience and retention.
• Analyze compensation and benefits data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support annual compensation planning processes, including merit increases, promotions, and bonus programs.
• Reduce organizational risk through proactive monitoring.
• Lead and manage benefits and HR process automation initiatives, identifying opportunities to reduce manual administration, improve data accuracy, enhance employee experience, and increase operational efficiency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and HR analytics.
• Understanding of federal and state benefits compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence and build partnerships across all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• CCP, CEBS, CBP, PHR or similar certification preferred.

Experience

• 3-7 years of experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards.
• Strong knowledge of benefits administration and applicable regulations.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and compensation survey tools.