U.S. Benefits Manager

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

As our global environmental research organization has grown rapidly, our HR team growth has mirrored this change. Our US HR team of 5 supports over 700 WRI employees. Operating within the Global HR team in close partnership with our Centers of Excellence, the US team manages all aspect of HR for our employees around the country.

Job Highlight:

In this newly created position reporting to US HR Director and managing a Benefits Specialist, you will support the design, implementation and administration of our employee benefits for all USA staff, including medical, dental, vision, life, insurance, leave administration and pension plans in this role. You will manage the US benefits program by being the initial point of contact for all of our US employees.

What will you do:

Benefits Administration (60%): 

• Work with the US HR Business Partner team, payroll and other HR functions to design fit for purpose and efficient benefit processes to ease understanding and administration for WRI US staff
• Assess viability of current vendors and support potential RFPs to consider new vendors
• Act as main contact for all benefits-related questions/needs for over 700 US-based employees
• Process benefits and personnel action enrolments for new hires, terminations, change requests, leave requests, status request, sabbatical and other requests
• Add and process new employee information in all benefits systems as well as maintain and update all personnel digital files and forms
• Update HRIS database (ADP) as needed to ensure staff enrolments and changes in all benefit plans (medical, dental, Life, AD&D, STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Dependent Care, pension and any other benefits) are accurate.
• Generate reports from database as necessary
• Leave Administration: Manage Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD), DC Paid Leave (DCPA), Maternity and Paternity Leave Program and other programs
• Process invoices from benefits vendors, reconcile and audit monthly insurance invoices and deduction reports, and resolve billing, cancellations or change to coverages and HSA transmittals
• Manage the WRI Open Enrollment session
• Support Benefits & Compensation Director with benefits budget
• Support the Global Director of Benefits and Compensation in creating our minimum benefits strategy in all countries in which we work

Benefits Communication & Education (40%): 

• Respond to daily employee inquiries, which often involves advisement, troubleshooting, and benefit claims assistance
• Communicate updated benefits information to all employees and edit/update annual benefit guides
• Create slide decks and lead benefit information presentations, including semi-monthly new employee onboarding sessions
• Assist with ensuring compliance and communicating with programs and respective staff

What will you need:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent work experience
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years full-time relevant work experience 
• Extensive knowledge of US benefits and related labor laws in multiple US states
• Established network of support vendors
• Proficiency in HR information systems, Microsoft Office, and SharePoint. Workday is preferred
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; Strong interest in working with diverse employees with high expectations across all levels and functions
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy with numbers with an interest in process improvements
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work independently
• Ability to exhibit discretion in handling confidential information

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 84,000 and 92,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.