Benefits Consultant - Hybrid (Reston, VA)

Benefits Consultant – Employee Benefits

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Consultant to join our established and growing employee benefits practice serving small and midsize employers throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

This is a consultative, client-facing role focused on both existing and new clients. The Benefits Consultant will work with employers to evaluate benefit strategies, review plan options, lead renewals, assess alternative funding arrangements and help clients make informed decisions about their employee benefits programs.

The consultant will also play an important role in supporting new business opportunities by working with prospective clients, analyzing existing benefit programs, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping present competitive solutions.

You will be joining an experienced and highly supportive team of employee benefits professionals. You will work closely with producers, account management and enrollment/service specialists, insurance carriers, general agencies and other partners. Our team approach allows the Benefits Consultant to focus on strategy, client relationships and benefits guidance while working alongside professionals who support implementation and ongoing administration.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with traditional fully insured group benefits and, preferably, meaningful experience with level-funded medical plans.

Key Responsibilities

Client Consulting & Relationship Management

• Serve as a trusted benefits consultant to an assigned group of existing employer clients.
• Develop strong, long-term relationships with business owners, executives, HR leaders and other key client contacts.
• Meet with clients throughout the year to review benefit strategy, market conditions and emerging opportunities.
• Help employers evaluate plan design, contribution strategies, networks, cost-sharing and overall benefit structure.
• Provide clear, practical guidance that helps clients make informed benefits decisions.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve benefits, manage costs and strengthen the overall employee benefits program.

New Client Opportunities

• Work with producers and the broader team on prospective client opportunities.
• Participate in discovery meetings with prospective employers to understand their current benefits program, business needs and objectives.
• Analyze existing plans, costs, funding arrangements and benefit structures.
• Identify opportunities for improved pricing, plan design, carrier positioning and funding strategies.
• Help develop and present recommendations to prospective clients.
• Participate in finalist presentations and other new business meetings as appropriate.
• Help transition new clients into the practice following a successful sale.

Renewals & Benefits Strategy

• Lead the annual renewal strategy for assigned clients.
• Review carrier renewals, claims information, market alternatives and financial considerations.
• Develop renewal recommendations in collaboration with producers and other members of the benefits team.
• Present renewal options and recommendations directly to clients.
• Evaluate alternative carriers, plan designs and funding arrangements when appropriate.
• Help clients balance cost, benefits, employee experience and long-term strategy.
• Coordinate with the internal team to ensure selected strategies are implemented successfully.

Level-Funded Plan Consulting

• Provide knowledgeable guidance regarding level-funded medical plans.
• Help clients understand the differences between fully insured and level-funded arrangements.
• Explain fixed monthly costs, claims funding, stop-loss protection, claims experience, potential surplus or refund provisions and renewal considerations.
• Review level-funded renewals and help clients understand the financial implications of available options.
• Compare level-funded and fully insured alternatives when evaluating renewal or new business opportunities.
• Work with carriers, general agencies, third-party administrators and stop-loss partners when additional analysis is needed.
• Help identify employers for whom level funding may provide a meaningful strategic or financial advantage.

Benefit Design & Market Analysis

• Review medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefit offerings.
• Analyze plan design, employee contributions and employer contribution strategies.
• Help clients evaluate competitive positioning and employee benefit priorities.
• Stay informed about market developments, carrier changes, emerging funding strategies and benefit trends.
• Bring relevant ideas and opportunities to clients throughout the year rather than limiting strategic conversations to renewal season.

Client Meetings & Presentations

• Lead or participate in client strategy meetings, renewal presentations and benefit reviews.
• Present complex benefit and financial information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Assist with employee benefit education and open enrollment meetings when appropriate.
• Develop strong relationships with senior client…