Would you like to be part of the greenest museum in the world? The California Academy of Sciences is seeking a Benefits Manager .

The ideal candidate a minimum of five years developing, implementing, communicating and managing employee benefits and wellness programs in a mid-size or larger organization and experience with HRIS Benefits and Employee Self Service (ESS) modules.

The California Academy of Sciences is the only institution in the world to combine a museum, aquarium, planetarium, and world-class research and education programs under one living roof. The Academy is redefining what it means to be a natural history museum in our new Platinum LEED certified facility in Golden Gate Park. Visitors interact daily with animals, educators, and biologists within immersive, hands-on exhibits. And the research collections that form our foundation do not just sit in storage; they are used in cutting edge research about biodiversity and sustainability.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and working with minimal supervision, the Benefits Manager is responsible for designing, planning, implementing and managing the Academy’s comprehensive benefits and wellness programs, plans, policies and processes. The Benefits Manager ensures that our benefits and wellness programs enhance the organization’s ability to recruit and retain employees as well as follow legal guidelines and best practices.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Partners with and manages relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, vendors and subject matter experts ensuring delivery of high quality programs in accordance with industry best practices and legal compliance.
• Keeps abreast of industry and market trends, benefits related technology, labor law, and healthcare reform initiatives. Benchmarks programs and practices and recommends strategies, changes, and enhancements to ensure the Academy’s benefits offerings are robust and remain competitive with the market.
• Oversees administration of all employee benefits from initial eligibility through termination. Orients and counsels eligible staff on benefits options. Responds to questions regarding benefit eligibility and usage.
• Manages annual renewal process and open enrollment including strategic planning, broker and Wellness Fair event planning and communications. Monitors staff eligibility changes and related quarterly reporting ensuring timely staff notification and updates to Payroll and Kronos timekeeping system.
• Manages the Academy Wellness Program including coordinating regular educational/informational events and staff communications as part of the Academy’s goal toward improving overall staff wellness.
• Develops and applies communication strategies to effectively promote benefits and wellness programs and to enhance staff understanding. Reviews, updates and fine-tunes benefits orientation on a regular basis.
• Facilitates creation of employee total compensations statements annually. Oversees enrollment processing and changes, and terminations with carriers and in HRIS.
• Oversees preparation of monthly premium billings for benefit plans. and reconciliation of related invoices and payment. Oversees processing of employee remittances for TIAA/CREF Group and Supplemental Retirement Plans.
• Facilitates annual 403(b) audit including preparation of reports and documentation.
• Ensures annual filing for 5500 forms for Retirement Plan and Health and Welfare Plan.
• Oversees notifications to third party benefits administrators regarding COBRA, Flexible Spending Account program, and other outsourced benefit programs, documentation and tracking of participant payments.
• Manages quarterly reporting in compliance with City of San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance as well as data transfer and billing with third-party administrator.
• Manages third-party administrator providing premium reimbursement to Early Retiree program participants.
• Manages Voluntary Early Retirement program for Curators.
• Works with Payroll Manager regarding benefit deduction issues.
• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of benefits information on the CAS Intranet and Employee Self Service sites.
• Regularly audits and updates health, welfare, and 403(b) plans and deductions to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
• Oversees staff Leave of Absence program and administration.
• Oversees Worker’s Compensation program and administration.
• Oversees Human Resources Coordinator in Unemployment Insurance claims processing via third party administrator.
• Supervises Human Resources Coordinator (half-time) in benefits administration support activities and benefits related projects. Responsible for on-going performance management, training, development and coaching.
• Follow all Academy safety regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent education.
• Minimum of five years developing, implementing, communicating and managing employee benefits and wellness programs in a mid-size or larger organization required (300+ employees).
• Experience with HRIS Benefits and Employee Self Service (ESS) modules; implementation and roll-out experience strongly preferred.
• Three years or more supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth expertise in employee benefits and wellness programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices and market trends.
• Knowledgeable about and keeps abreast of current and emerging technologies to improve processes and increase efficiency.
• In-depth understanding of San Francisco, California, and Federal labor/ERISA laws.
• High degree of computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); proficiency in Internet search tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience with HRIS and ESS including reporting (preferably ADP WorkforceNow).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate sound discretion.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Good presentation skills and comfortable speaking before large groups.
• High-touch customer service approach.
• Excellent time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Employee must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 80% of the time.

Compensation/Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position. This position is eligible for excellent medical and dental benefits; as well as participation in a supplemental retirement annuity and flexible spending accounts.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

For details and to apply, go to: http://calacademy.snaphire.com and submit your cover letter and resume. No phone calls please.

Since its founding in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences has positively engaged and significantly impacted the people and communities it serves. With a mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world, the Academy is one of the ten largest natural history museums in the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.calacademy.org.

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.

The California Academy of Sciences is a non smoking facility. Smoking is also not allowed anywhere in Golden Gate Park.

• Location: California Academy of Sciences
• This is at a non-profit organization.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.