Benefits Specialist

Position Overview

The HR Generalist / Benefits Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of the company’s employee benefits programs, HR policies and procedures updates, and employment law compliance. This role manages relationships with benefits vendors and brokers, negotiates with providers, and serves as the primary Align/vendor point of contact. 

Working closely with HR leadership, this position ensures Align remains compliant with all local, state and federal employment laws, rules and regulations as well as ensures that the organization offers competitive and compliant benefits programs that support employee well-being while aligning with the company’s financial goals.  

• This role is based out of our NYC office. The position is hybrid, but requires the individual to work in the office 3 days per week.
• This is a full-time position offering full benefits, a base salary in the $90,000 to $100,0000 range (commensurate with experience), paid training and other compensation. 

Key Responsibilities 

Compliance: 

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, OSHA, Workers Comp and other benefits related laws. 
• Administer leave programs including FMLA, state leave programs, and company leave policies. 
• Process unemployment claims. 
• Maintain benefits policies and procedures and ensure consistent administration along with ensuring the company employee handbook is up to date and accurate. 
• Coordinate with legal, payroll, and external advisors when necessary. 
• Provide personnel policy and procedure guidance to employees and management. 
• Maintain HR systems and records. 

Benefits Strategy & Program Management 

• Design, implement, and administer employee benefits programs including health insurance, dental, vision, wellness, retirement plans, disability insurance, life insurance, 401k and leave programs. 
• Evaluate existing benefits programs and recommend enhancements to remain competitive in the marketplace. 
• Monitor benefits utilization and analyze program effectiveness and cost trends. 
• Ensure benefits programs support employee recruitment, retention, and overall well-being. 

Vendor & Provider Management 

• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, wellness providers and other benefits vendors. 
• Negotiate with providers to secure competitive pricing and high-quality service. 
• Lead the annual benefits renewal process, including plan evaluation and cost analysis. 
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service level expectations are met. 

Employee Support & Communication 

• Educate employees on available benefits programs and enrollment options. 
• Create and distribute internal communications regarding status changes, benefits, or company policies. 
• Support employees with claims issues or complex benefits inquiries. 
• Manage and communicate the FMLA and leave of absence process. 

Benefits Administration 

• Support benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations within HRIS systems. 
• Coordinate open enrollment planning, communication, and implementation. 
• Ensure accurate benefits deductions and coordination with payroll. 
• Maintain benefits records and documentation. 

Reporting & Analysis 

• Track benefits costs, participation rates, and trends. 
• Quarterly Benefit communications/ highlights to employees. 
• Provide reports and insights to leadership to support benefits decision-making. 
• Assist with benefits budgeting and forecasting. 
• Responsible for annual reporting i.e. Year-End FSA Testing, 401K Form 5500, 1094/1095’s, OSHA Reporting  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. 
• 3-5+ years of experience in benefits administration or HR benefits management. 
• Experience managing relationships with benefits brokers and vendors. 
• Strong understanding of health insurance, retirement plans, and leave programs. 
• Knowledge of federal and multi- state labor law and benefits compliance requirements. 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written, required 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting consulting, technology, or construction-related organizations. 
• Experience managing benefits in a multi-state workforce. 
• Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR. 
• Experience with HRIS (ADP Workforce Now) and benefits administration systems. 
• Experience with compensation planning and salary bands. 

Key Skills

• Benefits program design and administration 
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management 
• Benefits compliance and regulatory knowledge 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Employee communication and education 
• Organizational and project management skills 

Work Environment

• Collaborative HR environment supporting hybrid office-based employees. 
• Regular interaction with employees, leadership, and external benefits vendors. 
• Hybrid in-office work environment. 

To support a fair, consistent, and high-quality hiring experience, some interviews may be recorded. These recordings help our team focus fully on the conversation at hand, rather than note-taking, and allow us to better evaluate and improve our recruitment process. Recordings are used solely for internal purposes such as training, quality assurance, and process improvement. Candidates will be informed in advance and asked to provide consent before any recording takes place.