Benefits Specialist

ISO New England Inc.; Holyoke, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment (3 days onsite

Relocation assistance available

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with employer contributions

Wellness programs

Employee networks

Free coffee at onsite café

Job summary

ISO New England Inc. is seeking a Benefits Specialist to administer a broad portfolio of benefit programs, partnering with the Total Rewards & HRIS team, Finance and Legal to deliver compliant, employee-focused benefits.

This role offers a flexible, hybrid work environment with 3 days onsite. Responsibilities include day-to-day benefits operations, vendor management, open enrollment, communications, budgeting, audits, and escalation of issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, Psychology, or a related field (advanced degree and/or HR or benefits certification a plus).
• 3+ years of experience supporting a variety of benefit programs including leaves of absence.
• Knowledge of benefits-related regulations (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA/state leave, ADA) and ability to apply provisions.
• Experience with HRIS/benefits platforms (Workday, Dayforce, Alight, Benefitfocus, bswift), including testing and file feeds.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize, problem-solve, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and flexibility in messaging.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical thinking, organization, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day benefits administration and drive process improvements with Total Rewards.
• Coordinate core benefits operations (enrollments, life events, vendor feeds) and maintain SOPs.
• Serve as SME for select benefit offerings, owning workflows and communications.
• Assist with leave of absence and accommodation administration and vendor case management.
• Manage benefits vendor relationships and drive ongoing process improvements.
• Create benefits communications translating complex topics for employees and leaders.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning, testing, and communications.
• Support budgeting, audits, invoicing, and data reporting for benefits.
• Respond to employee inquiries with sound judgment and escalate complex cases as needed.
• Coordinate webinars and required mailings and identify process automation opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Organization

Problem-solving

Discretion and confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Related field

Tools

Workday

Dayforce

Alight

Benefitfocus

bswift

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England’s ongoing transition to clean energy.

The Benefits Specialist position offers opportunities for engaging work with meaningful impact, in a flexible, hybrid work environment.

The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in the delivery of an exceptional employee benefits experience. This position partners closely with the Total Rewards & HRIS team, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to ensure compliant, efficient administration across a broad portfolio of benefit programs, including health insurance, life/disability, voluntary benefits, retirement, leaves of absence and accommodations. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, a consultative approach, and the ability to translate complex plan provisions into clear guidance for employees and managers. The Benefits Specialist leads operational execution, drives process optimization, and supports the organization’s total rewards strategy, all while helping employees navigate some of life’s most important moments.

What we offer you:

• A stable, mission-driven workplace where your impact truly matters
• A highly engaged work environment that values inclusion, collaboration, and employee safety and wellbeing
• Competitive compensation with a base salary + performance bonus
• Robust benefits package, including:
• Enhanced 401(k) and financial planning support
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Wellness programs, including an onsite gym
• Employee Business Networks
• Free coffee at our onsite café
• Hybrid work environment (3 days/week onsite)
• Distance-based relocation assistance available

How you will make an Impact:

• Manage day-to-day administration and continuous improvement of multiple benefit processes, partnering with the Total Rewards team to align delivery with employee experience, compliance, and benefits strategy
• Coordinate and oversee core benefits operations (enrollments, life events, vendor file feeds, reconciliations), and create and maintain standard operating procedures
• Serve as primary point of contact and subject matter expert for select benefit offerings and processes (e.g., education reimbursement, pension processing, retiree health benefits), owning workflows, tracking, and driving related communications
• Assist with leave of absence and accommodation administration, ensuring timely follow up and clear guidance to employees, managers, and Payroll, as well as proper vendor case management
• Manage day-to-day benefits vendor relationships, ensuring strong partnerships, efficient administration, ongoing process improvement, and timely issue escalation/resolution
• Create and distribute engaging benefits communications that translate complex topics into clear decision support for employees and leaders
• Drive annual open enrollment for active and retiree populations—project planning, system readiness/testing, vendor coordination, and employee-ready communications
• Lead special projects as assigned, including working closely with the Total Rewards team to implement strategic benefits initiatives
• Support benefits budgeting processes, annual benefits audits, invoice processing and reconciliation, and data collection and reporting
• Serve as first point of contact for employee and retiree inquiries; provide basic education on plan provisions and next steps, and resolve issues with sound judgment, escalating complex cases as needed
• Support the planning and coordination of benefits-related webinars, meetings, and required mailings
• Identify efficiencies and opportunities to streamline and automate routine processes

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, Psychology, or a related field (advanced degree and/or HR or benefits certification(s) a plus)
• 3+ years of experience supporting a variety of benefit programs including leaves of absence
• W orking knowledge of benefits-related regulations and governance (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA/state leave, ADA); the ability to interpret and apply regulations and plan provisions
• Experience with HRIS/benefits administration platforms (e.g., Workday, Dayforce, Alight, Benefitfocus, bswift), including testing, configurations, and file feeds
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize effectively, problem-solve, and deliver on tight timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – adaptable as needed to fit the situation, message, and recipient(s)
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Strong analytical thinking skills, organization skills, and a keen eye for attention to detail

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

The expected salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000 per year. This role is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision), flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions and a student debt benefit, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, critical illness and hospital indemnity benefits, paid time off, paid leave, a wellness program, an employee assistance program and other great company perks.

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This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.

Equal Opportunity : We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug Free Environment : We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

ISO New England Inc., One Sullivan Road, Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States of America

ISO New England Inc., One Sullivan Road, Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States of America