Manager of Benefits Strategy & Compliance

New York, NY

Summary

This position is responsible for driving and implementing the strategic direction of the Firm’s benefit programs. It includes all aspects of program design and implementation support for the Firm’s health and welfare, and retirement benefit plans. Also responsible for Firm’s retirement plans, Firm’s insurance policies, and strategic benefit changes as well as benefit plan compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the Firm’s retirement plans and monitor and coordinate changes with the Firm’s Retirement Administrative Committee and third party vendors.

• Coordinate ongoing review of 40l(k) investment offering with Firm’s Retirement Administrative Committee and third party vendors with regard to investment performance and fees. Assume lead role in implementing changes where necessary.

• Coordinate quarterly meetings with Retirement Administrative Committee and third party vendors, set agenda and prepare meeting summary and action item and ensure that 401(k) Plan Document is up-to-date.

• Benchmark the Firm’s benefits relative to the marketplace and make recommendations to Management when opportunities for improvement arise.

• Oversee the implementation of strategic benefit changes and/or vendor changes as conditions arise.

• Act as resident team expert on benefit plans including interpretation and proposed plan changes. Maintain thorough knowledge of benefits and government legislation that may impact various benefit programs and take leadership role in advising Firm’s management.

• Coordinate annual benefit plan audits and actuarial testing compliance activity and requisite plan amendments and/or filings including Form 5500s/SARs to ensure compliance with IRS, DOL or other regulatory agencies.

• Act as Firm’s HIPAA Privacy Official and oversee Firm’s compliance with policy. Maintain and monitor Firm’s HIPAA manuals and documents and update as necessary. Oversee the HIPAA training program and ensure that assigned individuals have completed requisite training.

• Develop and maintain various benefit communications, such as announcements to the Firm, recruiting material, Attorney Guidebook and Policy & Procedure Manual, Plan Documents, information on the Firm’s intranet, and in the Summary Plan Descriptions. Collaborate with Benefits Manager as needed.

• Coordinate and monitor insurance renewals and negotiate rates as applicable to the Benefits Department.

• Advise employees on benefit eligibility, provisions of benefit programs, and lead/supervise staff to emphasize service-oriented mindset.

• Collaborate with Benefits Manager and act as liaison between employees and providers/vendors/consultants to resolve escalated claim issues and inquire in an equitable and courteous manner with emphasis on employee advocacy.

• Oversee, track and maintain 401(k) eligibility and enrollment for all personnel on internal payroll databases as well as 3rd party vendor system. Monitor and oversee regular changes and file downloads to/from third party vendor as necessary to maintain payroll deductions and enrollment eligibility.

• Interface with vendors of benefit plans, providers, legal and actuarial consultants, etc.

• Assist with benefits portion of new hire orientations.

• Manage the process of handling reasonable accommodation requests, following DOL guidance, including initial assessment, documentation and communication. Prepare written approvals or denials, maintain accurate and confidential records, work closely with third party vendors, Benefit Managers, and management teams to evaluate and implement accommodations, ensuring effective communication and compliance with all relevant regulations and policies. Supervise, mentor and coach staff members for optimal performance.

• Other duties and projects assigned as needed.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required

• Expert knowledge in benefits administration, retirement benefits, and related laws/regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA and other state and city specific programs.

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make appropriate recommendations.

• Ability to provide high-level concierge customer service.

• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks efficiently and effectively.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent presentation skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with courtesy and tact across all stakeholders of the Firm, vendors and consultants.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Ability to plan, supervise and review the work of direct reports.

• Highly detail-oriented.

• Ability to trouble-shoot questions, and diplomatically deal with sensitive personnel issues and apply discretion.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, highly pressured environment, performing well under tight deadlines.

• Ability to learn new technology completely and quickly.

• Highly technical with advanced skill level in Microsoft Office Applications and Excel. Knowledge of Workday, HRIS, a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Advanced specialty degree in employee benefits field (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, Certified Benefits Professional or MBA).

• Minimum 10 years’ management experience managing benefit programs and administering welfare and retirement plans. Law firm or professional services environment experience preferred.

• Benefits administration/compliance experience required.

• Actuarial/Financial Accounting background a plus.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.

*Firm provides competitive compensation and benefits to its employees, ensuring that we attract and retain the most talented individuals. The expected base salary for this role ranges from $215,000.00-$225,000.00, plus bonus. The base salary offer is based on a variety of factors which includes, but not limited to qualifications, education and experience.

**The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

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