Benefits Specialist

About the role

The Portland Timbers are seeking a Benefits Specialist to serve as the primary point of contact for benefits for full-time staff and service providers. This role supports other HR areas and offers growth opportunities into Payroll and additional HR functions. The position focuses on delivering high-level service to employees, ensuring they maximize their benefits, and continuously improving offerings.

Responsibilities

• Own the benefits function to ensure plans meet staff needs and administration runs smoothly for employees, carriers, and payroll.
• Maintain knowledge of medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, leave plans, Workers’ Comp, and other benefits offered by Peregrine Sports.
• Plan and execute benefits and wellness fairs in collaboration with brokers and carriers.
• Provide benefits education to staff to ensure they understand and gain value from their benefits.
• Work with brokers for health benefits and 401k plans to improve service delivery and plan options.
• Develop and execute a strategy for benefits renewals and open enrollment with the VP of HR.
• Provide backup support for payroll to ensure accuracy, including occasionally running full or partial payroll cycles.
• Manage HRIS system data to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and usability for all employees and smooth benefits administration.
• Assist with employee onboarding and running HRIS reports.

Opportunities for growth

• Payroll
• Employee relations
• Recruitment
• HRIS
• Employee engagement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or commensurate years of additional experience.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in benefits administration, preferably in a setting with various types of employees.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and Oregon regulations related to employee benefits and general employment law.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational, administrative, and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency in benefits carrier platforms, HRIS software, and Microsoft software.
• Interest in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts within a corporate environment.