Human Resources Associate, Benefits | Human Resources

Reporting to the Director of Benefits, the HR Associate, Benefits supports the administration of the University’s employee benefits programs and coordinates wellness and learning and development activities. Serving as a primary resource for employees, the HR Associate collaborates with the Assistant Director of Benefits to provide clear, timely guidance on benefits, leaves of absence, retirement, and professional development opportunities, while maintaining accurate records and supporting effective program operations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate leave administration for staff and academic personnel, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, New York Paid Family Leave, short-term disability, and workers’ compensation. Guide employees through eligibility requirements, required documentation, and return-to-work timelines.
• Serve as a resource for the HR Assistant(s) to monitor the HR inbox, ensuring prompt responses to employee inquiries. Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and rehires, explain plan options and eligibility requirements, and assist with health plan elections.
• In partnership with HRIS colleagues, administer benefits enrollment and changes, including qualifying life events, corrections to enrollment errors and related certifications, and new hire and midyear enrollments or terminations. Process manual enrollment changes as needed.
• Meet with employees preparing for retirement to review benefits options, assist retirees approaching age 65 with Medicare enrollment, and maintain retirement checklists and timelines in English and Spanish. Track retirement annuity eligibility, dependent coverage ending at age 26, and process related changes.
• Run, monitor, and troubleshoot weekly benefits interfaces and data feeds with vendor carriers. Research and resolve discrepancy reports, life event and rollback reports, invalid Social Security number entries, and missing Benefits Interface IDs.
• Review monthly vendor invoices and process payments. Handle and distribute incoming and outgoing benefits-related transactions, including COBRA checks, weekly ACH payments, rebates, refunds, and miscellaneous checks.
• Process tuition reimbursement payments. Coordinate the preparation and mailing of required COBRA notices, and audit enrollment and termination lists for COBRA participants.
• Support annual Open Enrollment planning and communications, including campus-wide announcements and automated enrollment reminders. Lead logistics for the annual Benefits Fair and coordinate with participating vendors.
• Plan and coordinate Wellness Works events, encouraging employee participation and engagement. Coordinate on-campus financial consulting sessions and outreach to University departments to support financial well-being. Maintain and expand the University’s employee-discount vendor network.
• Maintain and promote the University’s centralized learning and development website, keeping training resources up to date and accessible. Coordinate the leadership development workshop partnership, work with instructors, manage registrations, and co-facilitate virtual instructor-led sessions. Analyze workshop participation and demand to recommend future topics, schedules, and competency levels.
• Handle sensitive personal and benefits information with discretion and exercise sound judgment in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Participate in special projects and provide administrative support across HR functions as departmental priorities evolve.

**Internal candidate identified

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with specific exposure to automated benefits administration, data file feeds, state leave laws, and professional development programs.
• Solid understanding of FMLA, NY PFL, COBRA compliance, and disability administration.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office. Proven experience coordinating large-scale logistics for events like corporate benefits fairs, vendor seminars, or interactive wellness workshops.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information. A proactive, customer-service-oriented approach and a willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across all levels of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience at a higher education or research institution is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Oracle EBS (HRIS)
• Readiness to learn Form 5500 compliance and audit procedures.
• Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.