Senior Benefits Administrator

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA’s 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.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer and support the organization’s 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.