Senior Benefits Specialist

Kirksey is an architecture firm with a culture that values great design, environmental stewardship, diversity, and most of all, our employees. In addition to great design, hard work, and having fun in the process, Kirksey values the personal and professional development of each employee by supporting individual initiatives and ambition. This empowerment, freedom, and entrepreneurial spirit supports long term careers at Kirksey. 

Kirksey is looking for a Senior Benefits Specialist to join our Houston office.

The Senior Benefits Specialist will play a pivotal role in the design, administration, and management of employee benefit programs and strategies, ensuring that our benefits offerings are competitive, meet the needs of our employees, and align with the company’s goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Oversee the administration of employee leave programs, including FMLA, short-term disability, and other leave policies.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for complex benefits inquiries from employees and management, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• Oversee benefits orientation and facilitate open enrollment sessions providing clarity regarding benefit offerings and encouraging engagement.
• Collaborate with insurance carriers and vendors to optimize benefits administration and resolve escalated issues.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits and leaves, including FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, and ACA, and stay updated on changes in legislation.
• Analyze benefits data and trends to recommend enhancements, modifications, and best practices for existing programs.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to educate employees about their benefits options and changes.
• Conduct regular audits and prepare detailed reports related to employee benefits programs.
• Analyze benefits and compensation data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• 8+ years of human resources experience including 5+ years in benefits administration strongly preferred 
• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits laws, and market trends
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• Proficient in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with compensation analysis tools is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.