About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact - asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more about WestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION-Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

The Benefits plan at WestEd is a key element is the Agency's Talent Management strategy. WestEd is looking for a Head of Benefits to join our Human Resources where they will oversee the design, development, implementation, and communication of our benefits policies, solutions, and programs with an employee centered approach to plan design and overall employee satisfaction.

Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this position will manage the Benefits team and partner with the leadership to create and implement a benefits program that is competitive, aligned with our company strategy, and compliant with the law. You will also lead the development and delivery of effective and engaging benefits training and communications strategies to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

In addition to providing leadership to the administration of a benefits program of more than $40M, the Benefits Manager will participate in the implementation, processing, communication, and record keeping of the Agency's health plans as well as provide routine technical information and functional guidance to employees and managers with respect to benefit policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

Manage the Benefits team's effort in the design, development, implementation, and communication of innovative benefits policies, solutions, and programs based on firm policies to attract and retain excellent talent.

• Partner proactively with the leadership to create and implement a benefits program that is competitive and aligned with the overall company strategy.
• Lead the development of effective and compelling benefits training and communications strategies to improve employee engagement and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Supervise the development and implementation of a complete health and wellness program for employee participation with a goal to reduce health risk, company medical costs, and encourage healthy lifestyles.
• Lead the design, implementation, and administration of benefit programs, including medical, dental, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, retirement, and other plans.
• Oversee the review, communication, and implementation of the annual benefit programs enrollment.
• Maintain excellent relationships with benefits brokers, retirement, and insurance account managers to ensure the delivery of timely and quality service by outside vendors. Review/provide feedback to annual performance guarantees based on performance, where applicable.
• Ensures compliance with applicable policy and legal benefit compliance changes and requirements, including, but not limited to the ACA, CAA, IRS, DOL, FMLA, and other state, federal, and local laws, as applicable.
• Lead benefit governance oversights and act as the lead fiduciary and/or stakeholder for critical employee and plan sponsor decisions.
• Administer health and welfare, retirement plans, COBRA and other employee benefit programs in compliance with applicable laws and policies. Answer routine questions related to technical information and functional guidance from employees and managers. Maintain current knowledge of insurance certificates, plan documents, and annual reports.
• Interact and maintain excellent relationships with the organization's benefits broker and retirement representative to ensure the delivery of quality service by outside vendors.
• Review Employee Benefit policies, practices and procedures for all plans sponsored by WestEd to support consistency with plan documents and insurance contracts.
• Administer the Workers' Compensation program, including processing workers' compensation claims, responding to questions, interacting with Workers' Compensation insurers, and maintaining a claims management system for the intake, validation, communication and aggregation of claims data.
• Manage benefit related company policies regarding vacations, sick leave, disability, and Workers' Compensation.
• Reconcile and approve employee benefit-related invoices to ensure accurate payments to insurance carriers/vendors.
• Manage activities associated with plan audits, such as internal audits, ERISA, IRS, DOL, FMLA, and other state, federal, and local laws as applicable. Assist as needed on other internal or external audits.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader and subject matter expert with health and welfare and pension plans, including an ability to interpret procedures and policies in accordance with ERISA, HIPAA, DOL, IRS, and Summary Plan Descriptions.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) certification is a plus.
• At least eight years of experience in benefits administration, design, or consulting.
• Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, best practices, and trends.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and benefits software.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing employee benefit plans and programs.
• Knowledge of best practices around confidentiality and data security.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (We currently use UKG, Costpoint, Cognos- would be a plus).
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral), critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and analytical ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills and a proactive approach to building working relationships with all levels of personnel and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with changing priorities, communicate changes in process or benefits, as well as adhering to reporting and other deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and high standards in quality

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level 12, is $120,400 to $180,600 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $120,400 to $150,500. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs, In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date
• PTO: 3 weeks' vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

For more detail about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you'll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Alameda #LI-San Francisco