HR Benefits Associate

New York Life; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Life invites applications for an Employee Benefits Support role hybrid in New York. You will respond to inquiries about Health & Welfare, defined contribution and defined benefit plans, and research participant records to ensure accurate responses.

Collaboration with internal teams, HR partners, and vendors is essential to resolve issues. The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 2–3 years in Benefits, with strong Excel and MS Office skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelors' Degree required; 2–3 years in Benefits preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical skills with Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas).
• Excellent verbal and written communication; daily stakeholder interactions.

Responsibilities

• Respond to benefit inquiries from employees, agents, and retirees.
• Research participant records, review plan provisions, identify discrepancies.
• Collaborate with HR partners and vendors to resolve issues.
• Perform COBRA subsidies, terminations, refunds and payments.
• Maintain records of benefit transactions and deadlines.

Skills

MS Office

Excel

Word

Access

PowerPoint

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Organization skills

Time management

Education

Bachelors' Degree

Job description

Location Designation: Hybrid - 3 days per week

What You'll Do:

Employee Benefits Support and Issue Resolution

• Respond to benefit inquiries from employees, agents, and retirees regarding Health & Welfare, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans.
• Research participant records, review plan provisions, identify discrepancies, and provide accurate and timely responses.
• Collaborate with internal team members, HR partners, and external vendors to resolve participant issues, escalating more complex matters as needed.

Benefits Administration and Transaction Processing

• Perform routine administrative activities, including COBRA subsidies, benefit terminations, refunds and payment processing.
• Review and process benefit-related documentation and transactions to support accurate and timely administration.
• Assist with participant communications.
• Maintain accurate records of benefit transactions, inquiries, and resolutions.
• Manage assigned tasks and recurring deadlines to support ongoing benefits operations.

Data Analysis and Operational Accuracy

• Utilize Excel, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas, and spreadsheet comparisons, to research benefit discrepancies and validate benefit information.
• Identify errors, inconsistencies, and transactions requiring additional investigation.
• Support routine data validation and reconciliation activities to maintain the accuracy of benefits administration processes.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with benefits department team members to support overall employee satisfaction and engagement
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving the benefits experience

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelors' Degree plus 2 -3 years’ experience in Benefits preferred
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
• Strong analytical skills including Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, spreadsheet compares, text to spreadsheet conversion, formulas)
• Excellent verbal and written communications – position requires daily communications with participants including agents, employees, retirees, as well as vendors and HR partners
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail, time management and sense of urgency

Pay Transparency

• Salary Range: $65,000-$92,500
• Overtime eligible: Exempt
• Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes
• Sales bonus eligible: No

Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

Company Overview

At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact.

Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities—inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you’ll find the rare balance of long-standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress.

As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Your ideas drive what’s next, and your growth powers it.

Our Benefits

We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities.

Recognized as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners.