Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager An Overview

As a member of the City of Alexandria Human Resources Leadership Team, the Benefits Manager is responsible for innovatively leading and driving benefits-related programs in accordance with the City government's vision, strategy, and goals. This position manages the design, administration, interpretation, and evaluation of employee benefit policies and plans for the City. Using the latest technology, the incumbent will lead areas including, but not limited to, health and wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and City insurance plans.

• Drive effective execution of the City’s benefit programs in alignment with guidance from Human Resources leadership, using data to assess value on investment, cost, service, and overall program performance.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, system testing, vendor coordination, and employee communications, and work with brokers to identify improvements for leadership review.
• Engage and advise department leaders on benefit program design that supports attraction and retention, and provide clear recommendations and operational insights to City Human Resources Leadership and Senior Management.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of employee and retiree benefits with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and high-quality service.
• Manage vendor relationships and contractor performance in partnership with Procurement, ensuring timelines, renewals, and deliverables are met and risks are monitored and addressed proactively.
• Support compliance with laws and regulations by maintaining documented procedures, accurate records, and timely communication of potential risks or required updates.
• Coordinate benefits data, reporting, and system updates to support payroll, HRIS, budgeting, and broader organizational decision-making.
• Lead and support the benefits team by setting clear expectations, balancing workloads, and fostering a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
• Partner closely with the Deputy Director of Human Resources to carry out strategic priorities and ensure smooth and reliable benefits operations.

The Human Resources Department is made up of a dedicated team of professionals working to support the strategic direction of the City government through the recruitment, development, and retention of a high quality workforce capable of delivering public services in a complex and stimulating community environment. Through thoughtful planning and the diligent execution of work, the Human Resources Department focuses on the critical needs of our dynamic organization and its employees.

• At least five (5) years of professional experience administering benefits related program(s) within a public or private organization
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Experience developing and writing policies and procedures and complex related reports
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets and contracts
• Experience providing professional support and guidance to line and departmental managers

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the experience qualifications above.

• At least five (5) years of progressive management experience as a strategic business partner in employee benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance plans; flexible spending accounts (FSA); employee assistance; and other benefit programs.
• At least five (5) years of experience ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations (e.g. ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, SPDs, Form 5500, Form 1095-C).
• Demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively communicate with key stakeholders.
• At least five (5) years of experience managing vendor relationships.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• At least five (5) years of experience with developing and writing policies and procedures and complex related reports; developing and monitoring budgets and contracts; and providing professional support and guidance to line and departmental managers within a public or private organization.
• CEBS, CBP, CCP and/or WLCP certification.

Please note that the working location for this role is: 2331 Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314.