Sr. Benefits Consultant

Senior Benefits Consultant (Temporary - 3 Months)

Location: Hybrid - 2 days per week onsite in Boston, MA

Duration: Approximately 3 months (leave coverage)

Pay Rate: $75–$95 per hour

Start: Immediate need - high urgency

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Benefits Consultant to provide leadership and oversight of benefits programs during a temporary leave of absence. This is a hands-on, strategic, and operational role supporting a complex organization with a unionized workforce.

The consultant will serve as the senior subject matter expert on health, welfare, and retirement benefits, partnering closely with HR leadership and vendors to ensure seamless program administration, compliance, and employee support.

This role requires strong technical expertise in retirement and 403(b) administration, union benefits support, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead administration of health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs
• Oversee 403(b) retirement plan administration (critical requirement)
• Manage leave programs including FMLA and related state/federal regulations
• Ensure alignment of benefits programs with industry best practices
• Maintain data integrity across HRIS, payroll, and external vendors

• Manage relationships with brokers, third-party administrators (TPAs), record keepers, and wellness vendors
• Ensure timely processing of enrollments, changes, compliance filings, and reporting

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and related regulations
• Oversee non-discrimination testing and 5500 reporting
• Monitor regulatory updates and implement required changes

• Provide benefits support within a unionized/collective bargaining environment
• Interpret and administer benefit provisions aligned with union agreements

• Provide data-driven analysis and recommendations related to retirement and health plan offerings
• Conduct benchmarking research and evaluate plan design effectiveness
• Audit benefits policies and procedures for compliance and operational efficiency

• Respond to complex employee benefits inquiries
• Partner with HR to develop and deliver clear, effective benefits communications
• Present benefits-related information to leadership and employee groups

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience focused on employee benefits
• Deep expertise in health, welfare, and retirement plan administration
• Strong 403(b) plan experience (required)
• Experience administering benefits in a unionized environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and related regulations
• Experience with fully insured and self-insured health plans
• Strong data analysis skills and advanced Excel proficiency
• Workday HRIS experience preferred
• Prior management or supervisory experience
• Exceptional discretion and ability to handle highly confidential information
• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Higher education experience strongly preferred
• Non-profit sector experience acceptable
• Experience in complex, unionized organizations

• Hybrid schedule: 2 days per week onsite in Boston
• Collaborative, team-oriented HR department
• Fast-paced environment requiring immediate impact
• Willing to consider senior-level candidates (Sr. Manager, Director, Sr. Director level)

If you’re a proven Benefits Consultant professional ready to make an immediate impact, please send your resume to Lisa Manning at for immediate consideration.