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INTRODUCTION

DEKA Research & Development Corp. is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Benefits Manager to lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the company's employee benefits programs. This role combines hands-on plan administration with strategic planning. The Senior Benefits Manager is a people-facing role, providing direct, in-person support to employees while partnering closely with Finance and outside consultants to develop competitive, cost-effective programs that align with DEKA's mission-driven culture and organizational goals.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan Administration & Vendor Management:

- Oversee day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and supplemental benefits plans.
- Manage relationships with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, TPAs, and wellness vendors - including contract negotiations, performance reviews, and escalation resolution.
- Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including communications strategy, system configuration, employee education, and post-enrollment audits.
- Ensure accurate and timely benefits data in HRIS; oversee eligibility, enrollment changes, and qualifying life events processing.
- Administer leave programs including FMLA, short-term and long-term disability, and coordinate with payroll and managers.

Strategic Planning & Benefits Design:

- Design and recommend new benefit programs or modifications to existing plans based on workforce demographics, employee feedback, regulatory changes, and industry trends.
- Develop multi-year roadmaps for benefits program evolution, presenting recommendations and business cases to company leadership.
- Evaluate and select benefit plan structures (HDHPs, traditional PPOs, etc.) with a focus on cost efficiency and employee value.
- Partner with finance to model benefit cost scenarios, project annual spend, and set benefits budgets.

Compliance & Risk Management:

- Ensure all benefit plans comply with applicable federal and state regulations including FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and IRS requirements.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting employee benefits; communicate changes and update plan documents accordingly.
- Serve as primary contact for benefits audits, government inquiries, and claim disputes.

Employee Education & Communication:

- Develop and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications across all channels - email, intranet, in-person sessions, and print.
- Conduct new hire benefits orientations and respond to employee inquiries with timely, accurate guidance.
- Champion a culture of benefits literacy, helping employees maximize the value of their total compensation package.
- Gather and act on employee feedback to continuously improve the benefits experience.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

- Analyze benefits utilization, claims data, and cost trends to identify opportunities for program improvements and savings.
- Produce regular reporting on benefits costs, participation rates, and KPIs for HR and Finance.
- Leverage data insights to drive evidence-based decisions on plan design changes and wellness investments.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
- 10+ years in Human Resources or related field, including 5+ years of experience in employee benefits management.
- Demonstrated experience with benefits plan design and strategic planning - not just administration.
- Strong working knowledge of FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA and applicable federal/state employment laws.
- Experience managing vendor relationships and contract negotiations with carriers and brokers.
- Proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
- Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in a technology, research & development, or engineering-focused organization.
- Familiarity with self-funded health plan structures and experience working with TPAs.