Senior Benefits Administrator

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland (Click here to learn more about our missions). This position could support working from home. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV)

The Senior Benefits Administrator plays a critical role in delivering strategic and operational HR support across the Institute. Reporting to HR leadership, this position serves as a trusted advisor to managers and employees while leading key initiatives in benefits administration, employee relations, wellness programming, policy implementation, compliance, and HR operations.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience administering self-funded employee health plans within a nonprofit or similarly complex organization and has demonstrated success developing and managing employee wellness initiatives that improve engagement and support workforce well-being.

This role supports an organization of approximately 850 employees and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure exceptional employee experiences and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

·        Administer and support the organization’s self-funded medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement benefit programs.

·        Serve as the primary HR contact for employee benefit inquiries and complex escalations.

·        Partner with third-party administrators, brokers, and insurance vendors to ensure efficient plan administration and regulatory compliance.

·        Assist with annual open enrollment planning, employee education, and communications.

·        Analyze utilization trends and recommend improvements that enhance employee experience while supporting cost containment.

·  Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and ACA requirements.

· Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive employee wellness initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

·      Coordinate wellness challenges, preventive care campaigns, and vendor-sponsored activities.

·      Monitor participation metrics and recommend strategies to increase employee engagement and program effectiveness

Human Resources Operations

·        Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and best practices.

·        Ensure accuracy and integrity of employee data within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). UKG PRO experience a plus.

Strategic Partnership

·        Partner with leadership to identify benefits trends and recommend HR solutions.

·        Assist in policy development and organizational initiatives as related to benefits.

·        Support audits, reporting requirements, and compliance activities.

·        Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

·        Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including substantial responsibility for employee benefits administration.

·        Demonstrated experience administering self-funded medical plans for an employer-sponsored health program.

·        Experience designing or managing employee wellness initiatives and engagement programs.

·        Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and employee benefits regulations.

·        Experience working with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

·        Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

·        Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Experience supporting a nonprofit, research, higher education, or scientific organization.

·        Experience with HR analytics and reporting.

·        Knowledge of self-funded health plan financial management and vendor oversight.

·        Experience supporting organizations with approximately 500–1,000 employees.

The annual salary range for this title is $80-95K.  The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

Candidates should submit cover letter and resume by July 17th to receive full consideration.  Reference #: HRC0015774

We offer an excellent and comprehensive benefits package, generous retirement, work life balance and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at 

careers@stsci.edu