Senior Benefits Manager

About the Role

Human Resources is seeking a strategic, analytical, and empathetic Senior Benefits Manager to oversee the organization's employee benefits and leave of absence programs. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Benefits and Compensation, you will drive strategic planning, compliance, vendor management, and continuous process improvement across all benefits streams. In addition to leading total rewards execution, you will supervise the Benefits & Leaves Administrator, delivering a high-touch, supportive experience for our faculty and staff. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Strategy & Administration:
  • Design, implement, and evaluate competitive, cost-effective benefits plans, including health, dental, vision, retirement, FSAs/HSAs, life insurance, and wellness initiatives.
  • Lead annual open enrollment planning, communications, and system setup alongside the Senior Director. Analyze utilization and claims data to identify cost-containment trends.
  • Partner with benefits brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers to monitor SLAs, negotiate annual renewals, and reconcile premium invoices.
• Leave Management & Regulatory Compliance:
  • Provide expert guidance across FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-paid family leave, military leave, workers' compensation, and institutional leave policies.
  • Ensure rigorous compliance with federal, state, and local standards, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and Medicare reporting.
• Supervision & Systems:
  • Supervise and mentor the Benefits & Leaves Administrator.
  • Maintain pristine data integrity within Workday HRIS and build actionable reporting metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, along with 5–7 years of benefits administration experience in a complex, fast-paced HR environment.
• Deep working knowledge of employee benefits law, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, and leave administration best practices.
• Strong quantitative skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Direct experience with Workday HRIS is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coach staff, handle confidential data with discretion, build institutional trust, and collaborate across departments.
• Professional HR or benefits certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) are a plus.

Schedule & Hybrid Work Environment

Typically operates on a Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule, utilizing a hybrid modality that balances structured on-campus presence with remote flexibility.

Pay

Hiring range: $105,000 to $140,000; salary dependent on experience and education.

Why Choose Berklee?

• Deliver an exceptional employee experience that directly supports the world's premier music, dance, and theater educators and staff.
• Enjoy nightly, unrivaled access to world-class music, theater, and dance performances across our campus venues.
• Outstanding health and dental packages, a 403(b) retirement system with matching contributions, generous PTO, tuition benefits, and a paid winter break to rest and recharge.