Benefits Specialist

ExplorUS Corporate; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ExplorUS Corporate is looking for a Benefits Specialist to manage the administration of employee benefits programs for a multi-state workforce. This role includes responsibility for the Company’s 401(k) plan, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while providing exceptional service to employees.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive benefits administration experience.
• Demonstrated experience administering 401(k) retirement plans.
• Strong knowledge of ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and state leave regulations.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs for a multi-state workforce.
• Serve as primary administrator for the Company's 401(k) retirement plan.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Skills

Benefits administration

Customer service

Compliance knowledge

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HRIS systems

Job description

At ExplorUS, you'll join a people-first organization dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences across some of the country's most unique destinations. As a Benefits Specialist, you'll play a key role in supporting a diverse, multi-state workforce by administering employee benefits programs and ensuring employees receive exceptional service throughout their employment journey.

This role is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Company's health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave administration, and employee recognition initiatives. The Benefits Specialist serves as the primary administrator of the Company's 401(k) plan, partnering closely with Payroll, HR, brokers, and third-party vendors to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient benefits administration.

Key Responsibilities

Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, wellness programs, paid time off, and leave programs for a multi-state workforce.

• Serve as the primary administrator for the Company's 401(k) retirement plan, including employee enrollments, eligibility, payroll contribution processing, loans, distributions, annual audits, compliance testing, vendor coordination, employee education, and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure benefits programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and applicable state leave laws.
• Partner with brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, Payroll, Finance, and HR Operations to support benefit plan administration, billing reconciliation, vendor management, compliance activities, and employee communications.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including HRIS configuration, employee communications, benefit elections, reconciliation, training, and ongoing employee support.
• Administer leave of absence and accommodation programs, ensuring accurate and compliant administration across multiple states.
• Respond to employee and manager benefit inquiries and resolve complex benefits issues with a high level of customer service.
• Maintain benefit records, plan documents, employee communications, required notices, and compliance documentation.
• Support internal and external audits, benefits reporting, and ongoing process improvement initiatives.
• Assist with compensation administration, market benchmarking, reporting, and other Human Resources projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive benefits administration experience supporting a multi-state workforce.
• Demonstrated experience administering 401(k) retirement plans, including payroll coordination, compliance, employee support, and vendor management.
• Strong knowledge of ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and state leave regulations.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar certification.
• Experience supporting complex state leave programs (CA, NY, IL, CO, WA, HI, etc.).
• Experience with Employee Navigator or similar benefits administration platforms.
• Experience supporting compensation administration or HR analytics.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.