Senior Benefits Administrator

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASAs flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore Maryland (Click here to learn more about our missions).This position could support working from home. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD DE VA PA DC & WV)

The Senior Benefits Administrator plays a critical role in delivering strategic and operational HR support across the Institute. Reporting to HR leadership this position serves as a trusted advisor to managers and employees while leading key initiatives in benefits administration employee relations wellness programming policy implementation compliance and HR operations.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience administering self-funded employee health plans within a nonprofit or similarly complex organization and has demonstrated success developing and managing employee wellness initiatives that improve engagement and support workforce well-being.

This role supports an organization of approximately 850 employees and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure exceptional employee experiences and operational excellence.

Benefits Administration

Administer and support the organizations self-funded medical dental vision life disability and retirement benefit programs.

Serve as the primary HR contact for employee benefit inquiries and complex escalations.

Partner with third-party administrators brokers and insurance vendors to ensure efficient plan administration and regulatory compliance.

Assist with annual open enrollment planning employee education and communications.

Analyze utilization trends and recommend improvements that enhance employee experience while supporting cost containment.

Maintain compliance with federal state and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA ADA COBRA HIPAA ERISA and ACA requirements.

Develop implement and evaluate comprehensive employee wellness initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

Coordinate wellness challenges preventive care campaigns and vendor-sponsored activities.

Monitor participation metrics and recommend strategies to increase employee engagement and program effectiveness

Human Resources Operations

Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding HR policies procedures and best practices.

Ensure accuracy and integrity of employee data within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). UKG PRO experience a plus.

Strategic Partnership

Partner with leadership to identify benefits trends and recommend HR solutions.

Assist in policy development and organizational initiatives as related to benefits.

Support audits reporting requirements and compliance activities.

Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience including substantial responsibility for employee benefits administration.

Demonstrated experience administering self-funded medical plans for an employer-sponsored health program.

Experience designing or managing employee wellness initiatives and engagement programs.

Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and employee benefits regulations.

Experience working with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite particularly Excel.

Excellent interpersonal communication problem-solving and organizational skills.

Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Experience supporting a nonprofit research higher education or scientific organization.

Experience with HR analytics and reporting.

Knowledge of self-funded health plan financial management and vendor oversight.

Experience supporting organizations with approximatelyemployees.

The annual salary range for this title is $80-95K. The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as internal pay equity the scope and responsibilities of the position the candidates experience education and skill and current market conditions.

Candidates should submit cover letter and resume byJuly 17thto receive full consideration. Reference #: HRC0015774

We offer an excellent and comprehensive benefits package generous retirement work life balance and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at

Required Experience:

Senior IC