Lead Benefits SpecialistLocation:White Plains, USSummaryDevelops human resource management strategies and policies to meet business needs. Leads the planning and administration of activities related to talent acquisition, training and development, compensation, benefits, internal mobility, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent and organizational development and employee/labor relations.Plans, designs, evaluates and administers NYPA‘s employee benefit programs for active and retired employees. Programs include retirement, insurance, paid time off, leave management, wellness and other health and welfare plans. Provides policy change recommendations as related to benefits, manages vendors and responsible for HIPAA compliance.#LI-CJ1Responsibilities
Manage assigned vendors and benefit programs, develop strong working relationships with key vendors and consultants
Administer all savings plan activities: oversee the plans’ investment manager/record keeper; ensure savings plans compliance with IRS and DOL regulations; provide direction to savings plan committees on plan issues; prepare annual plan status reports for trustees
Collaborate with benefits leadership in the design and development of a competitive, cost-effective benefits package to attract and retain employees
Design and implement communications strategy that provides clear, up-to-date representations of the benefits, including publication of a benefits newsletter. Communicate the components of the benefits plans and programs to all levels of employees.
Prepare and evaluate bids and select the benefits plan providers
Assist the benefits manager by compiling benefits data in preparation for labor negotiations; evaluate proposals, and make recommendations for benefits revisions
Oversee NYPA's participation in the NY State and Local Retirement System; and analyze the cost and staffing impact of Retirement System incentive programs, as needed
Analyze and track the cost of benefits plans to develop strategy to reduce costs while increasing service levels
Recommend modifications to benefits plans and NYPA policies to meet identified organization objectives and regulation changes. Align benefits strategies with NYPA's business goals.
Provide guideline interpretations of Human Resources policies to site HR staff and employees
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Possess in-depth knowledge and experience administering and designing benefits programs
Strong technical knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to benefits, including HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ERISA, PPACA, etc.
Possess strong computer skills, proficient in using Microsoft Office Software, including Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the latest industry-wide HR standards and practices
Familiar with union contracts and labor negotiations
Experience supervising the work of others
Strong understanding of HR policies
Ability to work with all levels of the organization
Excellent verbal & written communication and presentation skills
Strong analytical skills
Highly developed organizational skills and ability to manage competing demands and deadlines
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to observe confidentiality
Ability to work within a team environment
Knowledge of HR Systems
Education, Experience and Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree in related field and minimum 7 years of directly applicable benefits experience (including design, compliance, administration and claims resolution) or
High School Diploma and 11 years benefits administration and claims resolution experience
Advanced degree preferred
CEBPs preferred
Union environment experience, utility industry experience preferred
Physical Requirements
Up to 5% travel required primarily within NY State
Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. and assist in setting up for events/programs
Occasional ability to attend meetings/events outside of normal business hours
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is: $92,660-$139,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] .New York is Powered by YouWe are a team of over 1,900 energy technologists, IT specialists, business experts, hydro engineers, and other professionals leading the energy revolution. With state-of-the-art technology, advanced R&D, and a modernized infrastructure, we provide New Yorkers with low-cost, clean, reliable power — and we are well on the way to becoming the first fully digital utility in the country. At NYPA, you will be empowered to think big, do good, and transform the energy industry.NYPA on Forbes "Best of" - again!NYPA is ranked by Forbes as one of America's best midsize employers for 2022 (https://www.forbes.com/companies/new-york-power-authority/?sh=1a1da5ad3160) for the fourth consecutive year! Browse today and apply.