Benefits Specialist

Responsibilities:

The Benefit Specialist (BS) is an integral part of the Human Resources department that supports employees at the Museums Main Campus as well as our two-house museums Bayou Bend and Rienzi. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert and administrator for the Museums benefits program which includes medical dental vision life insurance flexible spending accounts leaves of absences and retirements. This position will serve as one of our main points of contact with the benefit carriers and brokers.

As one of our first points of contact the BS is responsible for educating staff on eligible benefits including (but not limited to) medical dental vision 403(b) plan life insurance and total rewards offerings. The BS will also serve as a backup to assist with managing enrollments qualifying life events leaves of absences terminations TWC claims Workers Compensation and COBRA.

Group Insurance Plans:

• In partnership with external stakeholders (brokers and insurance carriers) manages annual open enrollment process and all benefits communications
• Function as a liaison with the insurance carrier representatives and plan brokers for benefit changes plan design changes annual contract renewals and other projects
• Make recommendations in conjunction with broker for changes in plan designs plan document language and vendor selection
• Serve in a key role to shape total reward strategies that will help to assess design and implement innovative programs or enhancements
• Responds to employee inquiries regarding benefit plans and provides assistance to employees on benefit issues with the carriers
• Processes and monitors life insurance claims
• Liaison with outside audit firm for preparation of the form 5500
• Plan and organize the annual employee Health & Wellness Fair
• Plan and organize annual vaccines on site
• Prepare and submit annual PCORI fees (IRS form 720)

Defined Benefit Plan:

• Functions as a liaison with plan record keepers to resolve any issues with employee accounts
• Administers member activity for inactive record keeper
• Conducts annual nondiscrimination testing process and administers corrective actions if needed
• Liaison with outside audit firm for the annual plan audit and preparation of the form 5500
• Monitor small sum distributions and forfeiture accounts
• In partnership with Payroll helps to ensure timely remittance of employee and employer contributions as needed.

Compliance:

• Along with the plan brokers monitors regulatory changes impacting benefit plans and assures our plans are in compliance
• Implements changes to plans plan documentation or communications as a result of regulatory changes
• Responsible for the fulfillment to employees of all required plan notices. Summary Annual Reports Creditable coverage letters fee disclosures Summary Plan Descriptions etc.
  • Support compliance withACA COBRA ERISA HIPAA and applicable state benefits regulations

Benefit Committee/Investment Committee:

• Plan and coordinate all Committee activity. Liaison with committee members along with plan brokers and record keepers for agenda and minutes. Responsible for the administration implementation and management of Committee decisions.

Databases Interfaces:

• Working knowledge and understanding of file feeds to carriers
• Lead projects that require a change to the HR system in unison with HRIS and UKG (Payroll/HR system)

Skills Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of benefit plans regulatory and legal matters relating to benefits
• Strong knowledge of HR benefits practices (the good ones).â
• Working knowledge of benefit plan administration
• Highly analytical and detail oriented
• Excellent communication writing and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of HR databases UKG a plus!
• Strong computer skills and understanding of Microsoft 365 required
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with all levels of employees using tact and diplomacy
• Bilingual skills useful (Spanish/English)
• Must be able to work in an environment with consistent interruptions and changing priorities
• Must be flexible with work schedule and be willing to commit to occasional evenings and weekends as necessary as the museum is a 24/7 operation which may at times require direct communication with staff working 2^nd and 3^rd
• Curious approach to work combined with an enthusiastic demeanor (also known as can do spirit) strong customer service mindset and the ability to build positive relationships across all roles within the Museum

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in related field preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge skills and abilities have been achieved.
• 5 or more years of experience in human resources with an emphasis on benefit plan administration required
• Experience working with HR databases benefits administration platforms and third-party vendors.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills are a MUST.
• CEBS CBP SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR a plus

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600 employees and 1000 docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space memberships endowments and attendance with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings a sculpture garden two art schools three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70000 works of art in a wide range of media.

As an employer MFAH offers a supportive collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

Position Available:

Title: Benefits Specialist

Classification: Exempt - Salaried

Schedule: 35-hour work week 9 am to 5 pm

Pay Rate: Please see Compensation below

Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work will primarily be performed in an office environment. Work will involve extended sitting and extensive computer use. With or without reasonable accommodation the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential addition to the other demands mentioned the demands of the job may or will include:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks.
• Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Extensive computer usage.
• Seeing hearing speaking and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff guests and others.
• Frequent sitting which may be required for extended periods of time.
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

Equal Opportunities for All

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) is committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our mission and organizational excellence. We welcome all applicants whose skills experience and perspectives prepare them to succeed in this role and support the Museums work in serving a broad public.

MFAH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications merit and business needs and without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law. We are committed to fair and consistent employment practices and to maintaining a professional respectful workplace for all employees.

We recognize that no candidate meets every qualification listed in a job description. If your background and experience align with many of the responsibilities and requirements of this position we encourage you to apply.

MFAH is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process interview process perform essential job functions and access the benefits and all other privileges of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the Human Resources Department at

Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coveragethrough a vision program
• Group health dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH providesa generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation illness of short duration and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly based on employment status length of service and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive eleven paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
• Roth IRA also available!
• MFAH Membership Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with the applicants experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities the needs and requirements expressed in the job description as well as internal equity and alignment with market data and any related regulations or other laws.

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should apply online which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume

If you prefer a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process. Applications or letters of interest sent via mail fax or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.

1. Visit the MFAH Careers page at

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