Benefits Manager

Established in 1884, The Donohoe Companies is the Washington, DC region’s oldest full-service real estate company. Over the past 140 years, Donohoe has grown into one of the largest real estate companies in the area, encompassing over 1,500 employees across six divisions: Donohoe Construction Company, Donohoe Commercial Real Estate, Complete Building Services, Donohoe Hospitality Services, Donohoe Development Company, and Borger Residential.

About the role

We are seeking a knowledgeable and hands-on Benefits Manager to administer and support a comprehensive benefits program for a diverse workforce spanning corporate offices, construction and facilities job sites, hotels, and commercial and residential properties. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, service-focused, and experienced in managing the day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs while providing excellent support to employees, managers, and HR partners. This position plays an important role in ensuring our programs run smoothly, remain compliant, and continue to meet the needs of our workforce.

This isn’t just about administering benefits—it’s about shaping how employees experience support, security, and well-being at work. You’ll play a critical role in attracting and retaining talent while building programs that truly make a difference.

Responsibilities

Employee Experience

• Serve as the primary resource for employees’ day-to-day benefits questions, providing clear answers, timely follow-through, and a consistent service experience.
• Act as a trusted resource for employees, managers, and HR partners on benefits policies, processes, and programs.
• Administer leave of absence and disability processes with care, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• Support employee engagement through clear communications, benefits education, and outreach initiatives.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life insurance, disability, 401(k), wellness, EAP, and commuter benefits.
• Process enrollments, changes, terminations, payroll deductions, and vendor file transmissions accurately and on time.
• Serve as the day-to-day liaison with brokers, insurance carriers, retirement vendors, and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system updates, and hands-on support.
• Coordinate 401(k) advisory committee meetings and work with vendors and auditors.

Compliance & Reporting

• Manage compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations; share relevant updates with the HR team and management.
• Respond to audits and complete non-discrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, and the annual 1095 reporting process.
• Maintain accurate benefits records, policies, procedures, and documentation.

Operations & Analytics

• Utilize HRIS platforms and advanced Excel reporting to execute invoicing, audits, census reporting, and benefits administration.
• Track benefits utilization, costs, and trends; bring observations and practical recommendations to the VP of HR.
• Keep internal platforms current; collaborate with the Communications Director and Benefits broker to produce open enrollment materials, benefits guides, and employee-facing resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field—or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in benefits or HR, including leadership responsibilities
• Deep knowledge of benefits administration, compliance, and industry best practices
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS platforms and expert-level Excel skills
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable strategy
• Exceptional communication skills with a customer-focused, approachable style
• High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS, CBP, SHRM-SCP/CP, SPHR/PHR certifications
• Experience in construction, real estate, facilities, healthcare, or hospitality environments
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills

This is a highly visible, onsite role that requires regular interaction with employees and stakeholders across multiple locations. Occasional travel to offices, job sites, and properties is expected. The role involves a mix of detailed execution, forward-thinking ideas and strategic planning in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and responsiveness are essential.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Optional life, long-term care, accidental and critical illness insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP) and mental health benefit
• Bereavement, jury duty and other paid and unpaid leaves of absences
• Vacation and sick time
• Holidays
• 401(k) with a company-match
• Commuter benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Complimentary coffee/tea/cold brew, employee engagement events, convenient lunch options, and Bagel Fridays (Corporate Office)

Pay

Annual Salary: $90,000 - $100,000