Job Description

The Senior Benefits Specialist administers our U.S.-based retirement programs, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, and financial wellness benefits. This role is responsible for compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, processing enrollments and distributions, and providing support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries and issues. The Senior Benefits Specialist will work closely with plan vendors, employees, and other stakeholders. The Senior Benefits Specialist will also serve as a subject matter expert on retirement benefits and provide guidance to both internal teams and employees. This position is based in our DC office and reports to the Director, Total Rewards.

Motivation:

You are a mid-career professional who has a well-rounded benefits administration experience, with a particular emphasis on retirement plan administration.

You are skillful at balancing day-to-day whirlwind with project work. You are exceptionally organized and thorough, yet capable of moving quickly, managing several projects at the same time, and meeting deadlines. You sense the urgency and act.

You can explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences and enjoy helping employees maximize their benefits.

You pride yourself in a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.

You constantly reengineer your day-to-day processes to increase speed, efficiency, and effectiveness, and you are proficient in manipulating data to drive your decision making.

You recognize and create opportunities rather than wait for things to happen or being told what to do. You take responsibility and act.

Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements, as well as collectively bargained agreements, by monitoring regulatory changes, obtaining legal opinions, preparing and submitting government filings, coordinating plan amendments, and distributing legally required notices.

Process monthly pension payments by verifying pension calculations and data entry by third party administrators.

Lead retirement committee meetings by preparing agenda, reporting on the results of internal audits, executing action items from previous meetings, and distributing meeting notes.

Coordinate internal retirement plan audits with actuaries, plan administrators, auditors, and accountants and assist with preparing plan documents and schedules.

Enhance data accuracy in applicable systems and integrations by performing internal audits and resolving data discrepancies.

Execute plan design changes by coordinating with the HRIS and Integrations teams, vendors, and third-party administrators, testing system changes, and communicating changes to the employees.

Deliver excellent customer service and resolve employee benefits-related issues by coordinating with third party administrators, answering employee questions, and addressing data issues.

Educate employees about retirement programs by developing financial wellness initiatives, creating communication materials, and updating the retirement section on the company intranet.

Support management decision making by preparing benefits utilization reports, analyzing trends, recommending plan design enhancements, process changes, and wellness initiatives.

Complete payments to benefit providers by reconciling employee and vendor reports, submitting invoices, and resolving billing issues.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s’ degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or related field

7 years’ experience in retirement, insurance benefits, financial planning, or actuarial services required

Professional certifications such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA), or similar certifications are a plus

Strong knowledge of U.S. retirement plan regulations, including ERISA, IRS guidelines, and DOL requirements

In-depth understanding of pension plan administration, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and prepare detailed reports

Strong Excel and data manipulation skills; experience with Workday preferred

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex retirement plan information to employees and senior management

Excellent customer service skills

High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to read and understand complex plan documents

Ability to effectively prioritize competing tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and accuracy of deliverables

Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality

Proven track record of managing vendors and third-party administrators to enhance delivery of benefits and resolve employee issues

Ability to automate processes and improve efficiencies

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

Nine paid holidays and two personal days

20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

Robust mental health resources

Backup care and caregiver concierge services

Gender affirming services

Pet insurance

Free Post digital subscription

Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed. 

The innovation doesn’t end in the Newsroom – dozens of teams power The Washington Post.  We are now hiring the next innovator – how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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