Benefits & Compliance Lead (Hybrid)

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions is seeking a Benefits Manager to oversee administration, compliance, and daily operations of the organization's employee benefits programs. This role partners with HR, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors to deliver accurate, timely support and ensure compliant benefits for staff.

The Benefits Manager will manage enrollment, COBRA, audits, and reporting, supervise vendor SLAs, lead annual planning and renewal, and analyze data for improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or related field.
• CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related certification preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration or total rewards.
• 2+ years of experience managing benefit vendors and compliance programs.
• Experience conducting benefits audits, reporting, and data reconciliation.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS and benefits administration systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, leave programs, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.
• Oversee benefits enrollment, eligibility verification, qualifying life event processing, and COBRA administration.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit programs, eligibility, claims issues, and enrollment processes.
• Develop and deliver employee education materials and benefits communications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other benefits-related requirements.
• Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Serve as the primary liaison for benefits carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, retirement plan providers, COBRA administrators, and other benefits vendors.
• Manage vendor relationships and service-level agreements to ensure quality service delivery.
• Lead annual benefits planning, budgeting, and renewal processes.
• Analyze benefits data and trends to identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Support open enrollment planning, employee meetings, and benefits-related training sessions.
• Conduct regular audits of employee benefit records and transactions within HRIS and vendor systems to ensure the accuracy of benefit eligibility, enrollments, deductions, billing and vendor data.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure proper deductions and reporting.
• Monitor benefit plan performance and recommend program improvements when appropriate.
• Coordinate system updates, file transmissions, and integration testing between HRIS, payroll, and vendor platforms.
• Reconcile benefits invoices and ensure accurate employee and employer contributions. Maintain plan documents, employee communications, and required regulatory filings.
• Investigate and resolve complex benefits inquiries and escalated concerns.
• Analyze benefits data and trends to identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Develop and maintain procedures related to benefits administration and compliance.
• Support special projects related to benefits strategy, vendor transitions, and system implementations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

CEBS

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP

PHR/SPHR

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions is seeking a Benefits Manager to oversee administration, compliance, and daily operations of the organization's employee benefits programs. This role partners with HR, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors to deliver accurate, timely support and ensure compliant benefits for staff.

The Benefits Manager will manage enrollment, COBRA, audits, and reporting, supervise vendor SLAs, lead annual planning and renewal, and analyze data for improvements.