Employee Benefits Manager

The Employee Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of Kawerak's employee benefits programs. This position oversees benefits operations, ensures regulatory compliance, leads system optimization efforts (including HRIS), and serves as a key advisor to leadership on benefits strategy, cost management, and employee experience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Benefits Administration & Operations Oversee day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs (FEHB, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, etc.) Ensure accurate and timely enrollment, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues and claims resolution Ensure proper documentation, recordkeeping, and audit readiness 2. Employee Support & Communication Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution Develop and deliver benefits education, including new hire orientation and ongoing communication Create clear, user-friendly materials for open enrollment and life event changes Support employees navigating complex situations (medical leave, disability, ADA, etc.) 3. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, Section 125, etc.) Oversee required reporting (e.g., 1095-C, ACA tracking, required OSHA reports and applicable forms, audit responses) Partner with HR leadership on ADA accommodation processes and leave coordination Review and support workers' compensation processes in coordination with carriers 4. Billing, Reconciliation & Financial Oversight Oversee benefits billing including self-billing, reconciliation, and payroll deductions for accuracy Partner with Finance to ensure proper accounting and cost tracking Monitor and resolve discrepancies with carriers and vendors 5. Systems & Process Improvement Lead benefits-related HRIS (ADP) configuration, testing, and optimization Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy Support transition to electronic enrollment and carrier integrations Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all benefits processes 6. Open Enrollment Management Lead planning and execution of annual open enrollment Coordinate with vendors, leadership, and communications Ensure accurate and timely implementation of elections and changes 7. Vendor Management Serve as primary liaison with benefits carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues as needed Participate in plan evaluations, renewals, and negotiations 8. Leadership & Supervision Supervise and support assigned HR staff (e.g., HR Benefits Coordinator) Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback Ensure cross-training and operational continuity 9. Strategy & Program Development Support development of the semi-annual Board report, including data analysis, key metrics, and clear recommendations and other reports as needed Provide recommendations to HR leadership on benefits design, cost containment, and employee engagement Assist with preparing the semi-annual board report, analyze trends, utilization, and employee feedback to improve programs Support long-term benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals 10. Other Duties Provide backup support for HR leadership and cross train to provide coverage for other HR staff as needed Participate in HR initiatives and organizational projects

QUALIFICATIONS 1. A

bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field. Work experience in the field may be substituted on a year for year basis 2. Must be able to acquire SHRM-CP or CEBS certification preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. 3. At least 3 years experience in employee benefits administration or progressive general HR experience is required 4. Experience managing benefits programs and vendors required 5. Experience with HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred) 6. Knowledge of federal benefits regulations (ACA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA) 7. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills 8. Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion 9. Must be dependable, self-motivated and able to work with minimum supervision 10. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leadership, and the public while maintaining a high level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability 11. This position is expected to occasionally attend evening meetings 12. Must be willing and able to travel

Pay:

From $85,956.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid jury duty Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person Employee Benefits Manager 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars Nome, AK 99762 From $85,956 a year - Full-time Kawerak, Inc. 8 reviews From $85,956 a year - Full-time The Employee Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of Kawerak's employee benefits programs. This position oversees benefits operations, ensures regulatory compliance, leads system optimization efforts (including HRIS), and serves as a key advisor to leadership on benefits strategy, cost management, and employee experience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Benefits Administration & Operations Oversee day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs (FEHB, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, etc.) Ensure accurate and timely enrollment, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues and claims resolution Ensure proper documentation, recordkeeping, and audit readiness 2. Employee Support & Communication Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution Develop and deliver benefits education, including new hire orientation and ongoing communication Create clear, user-friendly materials for open enrollment and life event changes Support employees navigating complex situations (medical leave, disability, ADA, etc.) 3. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, Section 125, etc.) Oversee required reporting (e.g., 1095-C, ACA tracking, required OSHA reports and applicable forms, audit responses) Partner with HR leadership on ADA accommodation processes and leave coordination Review and support workers' compensation processes in coordination with carriers 4. Billing, Reconciliation & Financial Oversight Oversee benefits billing including self-billing, reconciliation, and payroll deductions for accuracy Partner with Finance to ensure proper accounting and cost tracking Monitor and resolve discrepancies with carriers and vendors 5. Systems & Process Improvement Lead benefits-related HRIS (ADP) configuration, testing, and optimization Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy Support transition to electronic enrollment and carrier integrations Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all benefits processes 6. Open Enrollment Management Lead planning and execution of annual open enrollment Coordinate with vendors, leadership, and communications Ensure accurate and timely implementation of elections and changes 7. Vendor Management Serve as primary liaison with benefits carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues as needed Participate in plan evaluations, renewals, and negotiations 8. Leadership & Supervision Supervise and support assigned HR staff (e.g., HR Benefits Coordinator) Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback Ensure cross-training and operational continuity 9. Strategy & Program Development Support development of the semi-annual Board report, including data analysis, key metrics, and clear recommendations and other reports as needed Provide recommendations to HR leadership on benefits design, cost containment, and employee engagement Assist with preparing the semi-annual board report, analyze trends, utilization, and employee feedback to improve programs Support long-term benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals 10. Other Duties Provide backup support for HR leadership and cross train to provide coverage for other HR staff as needed Participate in HR initiatives and organizational projects

QUALIFICATIONS 1. A

bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field. Work experience in the field may be substituted on a year for year basis 2. Must be able to acquire SHRM-CP or CEBS certification preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. 3. At least 3 years experience in employee benefits administration or progressive general HR experience is required 4. Experience managing benefits programs and vendors required 5. Experience with HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred) 6. Knowledge of federal benefits regulations (ACA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA) 7. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills 8. Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with discretion 9. Must be dependable, self-motivated and able to work with minimum supervision 10. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leadership, and the public while maintaining a high level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability 11. This position is expected to occasionally attend evening meetings 12. Must be willing and able to travel

Pay:

From $85,956.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid jury duty Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person