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Benefits Specialist, Administration

The Benefits Coordinator, Administration is responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, HSA, 403(b) and pension plan. In addition, the Benefits Coordinator, Administration is responsible for assisting and communicating with employeesabout the retirement options and benefits provided to them.


Primary Responsibilities
  • Assists Benefits Manager with new-hire orientations. 
  • Prepares and holds presentations for employees to educate about the benefits program. 
  • Determines eligibility and distributes all benefits enrollment materials. 
  • Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information. 
  • Enrolls employees and maintains online database information for vendors/partners. 
  • Performs quality checks of benefits-related data. 
  • Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries in a prompt and clear manner.
  • Maintain spending accounts internal and vendor database for commuter, health, and dependent care programs. 
  • Maintain employee and employee funding for Health Savings Accounts.  
  • Responds to staff 403(b) inquiries related to enrollments, plan changes, contribution amounts, and annual catch-up contribution enrollment. 
  • Responds to requests for pension estimates, processes pension applications, and maintains accuracy of retiree profiles. 
  • Provides necessary reports and support for allocation/billing charges and invoice payments. 
  • Provides routine and ad hoc reporting to Finance team.
  • Assists in the exit process of employees by conducting exit interviews, calculating final benefits, and processing all COBRA communications and enrollments.  
  • Ensure distribution of required employee notices. 
  • Stay up to date with the laws and regulations on employee benefits. 
  • Assists Benefits Manager with the open enrollment process. 
  • Other related duties as assigned. 


Required Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Can maintain confidentiality and exercises good judgement.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
  • Have an excellent eye for detail. 


Education & Experience
  • Associate degree or higher in HR or related field, but experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education.
  • 2-3 years’ experience in HR and/or benefits administration.
  • Experience with HRIS system, Lawson preferred.
  • Experience working with unionized workforce preferred.


Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.


$28 - $34 an hour

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Average salary estimate

$64400 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$58240K
$70560K

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What You Should Know About Benefits Specialist, Administration, The Metropolitan Opera

Are you passionate about employee benefits and looking for a rewarding opportunity? Join The Metropolitan Opera as a Benefits Specialist in the Administration team stationed at Lincoln Center, New York, NY. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in administering a variety of benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and more. You will assist the Benefits Manager in new-hire orientations and conduct presentations to help employees understand their options and benefits clearly. Your meticulous attention to detail will ensure accurate benefits enrollments in the HRIS, and you will engage with employees and managers alike, answering inquiries about plan provisions and status changes. Additionally, you'll oversee Health Savings Accounts and provide vital reports to the Finance team. The position also includes assisting with open enrollment and managing exit processes for departing employees. A successful Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera will have solid knowledge of employee benefits, excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. If you have at least 2-3 years of experience in HR or benefits administration and a keen eye for detail, this might be the perfect fit for you. Join us in creating a respectful workplace where opportunities are equal for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Benefits Specialist, Administration Role at The Metropolitan Opera
What are the primary responsibilities of a Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera?

As a Benefits Specialist in Administration with The Metropolitan Opera, your primary responsibilities will include assisting the Benefits Manager with new-hire orientations, preparing and presenting informative sessions regarding the benefits program, and ensuring the accuracy of benefits enrollments in the HRIS. You'll also handle inquiries from employees on various benefits-related topics, maintain necessary databases for multiple accounts, and assist in the open enrollment process.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Benefits Specialist position at The Metropolitan Opera?

To apply for the Benefits Specialist position within The Metropolitan Opera, candidates should have at least an Associate degree in HR or a related field. While a degree is preferred, relevant experience and training or certification may substitute for education. Additionally, candidates should have 2-3 years of experience in HR and/or benefits administration, with proficiency in HRIS systems, ideally Lawson, being advantageous.

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Is experience with HRIS systems necessary for the Benefits Specialist role at The Metropolitan Opera?

Yes, experience with HRIS systems is crucial for a Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera. Familiarity with these systems, particularly Lawson, will help ensure that you can accurately maintain and manage employee benefits information, enrollments, and database updates effectively.

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What soft skills are important for a Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera?

A successful Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and time management abilities, attention to detail, along with good judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality. These soft skills will significantly enhance your effectiveness in assisting both employees and the benefits team.

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What is the pay range for the Benefits Specialist position at The Metropolitan Opera?

The pay range for the Benefits Specialist position at The Metropolitan Opera is between $28 and $34 per hour, reflecting the significance of the role and required qualifications. This competitive compensation is part of The Metropolitan Opera's commitment to valuing its employees.

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Common Interview Questions for Benefits Specialist, Administration
Can you explain your experience with employee benefits administration?

When answering this question, you should highlight specific roles and responsibilities you've held regarding benefits administration. Discuss any experience you have had in managing benefits enrollments, conducting employee presentations, and how you maintained employee confidentiality while ensuring accuracy in your work.

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How do you stay updated with laws and regulations related to employee benefits?

Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by discussing specific resources you use, such as industry publications, webinars, or professional organizations. Share any courses or certifications you have pursued to enhance your knowledge in compliance and benefits administration.

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Describe a time when you resolved a conflict related to employee benefits.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Detail the context of the conflict, the actions you took to mediate or resolve the issue, and highlight the positive outcomes, emphasizing your communication skills and ability to handle sensitive topics.

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What tools or software have you used in benefits administration?

Mention any experience you have with HRIS systems, particularly if you are familiar with Lawson or similar platforms. Discuss how using these tools improved your efficiency and accuracy in managing benefits data and employee records.

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How would you educate employees about their benefits options?

Discuss your presentation and communication strategies for effectively conveying complex information. You could mention utilizing visual aids, interactive sessions, and personalized communication to ensure all employees understand their benefits options thoroughly.

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What challenges do you anticipate in managing employee benefits, and how would you address them?

Identify common challenges such as changes in regulations or employee misunderstandings, and then provide actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as continuous training, effective communication, and regular audit processes.

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How would you approach the open enrollment process?

Discuss your understanding of the open enrollment cycle, including preparing communication materials, scheduling sessions, and gathering feedback from employees. Emphasize the importance of clarity and accessibility during this process to enhance employee participation.

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In what ways do you maintain accuracy in benefits enrollment?

Explain the methods you use to ensure accuracy, such as double-checking entries, utilizing checklists during the enrollment process, and collaborating with colleagues to provide thorough reviews before submitting data.

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How do you handle sensitive employee information?

Discuss your approach to maintaining confidentiality and security of employee data, including adherence to company policies and applicable laws. Mention specific strategies you employ, such as secure databases and restricted access.

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Why do you want to work as a Benefits Specialist at The Metropolitan Opera?

Tailor your answer by expressing your passion for employee welfare, your admiration for The Metropolitan Opera's mission, and how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role. Highlight your eagerness to contribute to a respectful and supportive workplace.

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Founded in 1883, The Metropolitan Opera is an opera house that stages works from around the world. It is located in New York City, New York.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 20, 2025

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