Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Department: People & Culture

Reports To: Sr. Manager, People Shared Services

Job Summary:

The Benefits Specialist is an essential member of the People & Culture team, responsible for managing and administering the employee benefits programs. This role requires a detail-oriented professional who can ensure our benefits offerings are competitive, comprehensive, and aligned with the needs of our employees.

What You’ll Do:

Benefits Administration:

Administer and manage the day-to-day operations of the benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), and other voluntary benefits.
Process enrollments, changes, and terminations in the benefits systems accurately and timely.
Coordinate and conduct benefits orientations and information sessions for new hires and current employees.

Employee Support:

Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing clear and accurate information and resolving issues promptly.
Assist employees in understanding their benefits options and making informed decisions.
Support employees through life events that impact benefits, such as family status changes, leaves of absence, and retirement.

Vendor Management:

Collaborate with benefits vendors and brokers to ensure smooth administration of benefits programs.
Monitor and manage vendor performance, addressing any issues and ensuring compliance with service level agreements.
Responsible for reconciling vendor bills to confirm all payments are accurate.

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits, including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and HIPAA.
Prepare and file required benefits documentation and reports, such as 5500s, nondiscrimination testing, and other regulatory filings.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the HRIS and benefits systems.

Benefits Strategy:

Assist in evaluating and benchmarking benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and alignment with industry standards.
Participate in the development and implementation of benefits communication strategies to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
Support the annual benefits open enrollment process, including planning, communication, and system configuration.

Wellness Programs:

Promote and coordinate wellness initiatives and programs to enhance the overall well-being of employees.
Collaborate with the People & Culture team to integrate wellness programs with other HR initiatives.

What You’ll Need:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, preferably in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with Employee Navigator and/or Paycor, a plus.

What You’ll Bring

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Passion for sports and a commitment to the mission and values of FC Cincinnati.
Strong knowledge of benefits principles, practices, and regulations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits information clearly.

Why You’ll Love FCC:

Generous paid time off and holiday time
Option for one work from home day per week (by department and schedule)
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k plan with company match
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Maternity & Paternity Leave and Family Building Benefit
Employee Assistance Program and free subscription to the Calm App
Discount off merchandise in the FCC team store
Community volunteer opportunities
Professional development and Frequent team building opportunities
Employee recognition programs and referral programs
Opportunity for complimentary staff tickets to home FC Cincinnati matches

About FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team playing at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club’s diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III; as well as managing owners Meg Whitman and Dr. Griff Harsh; Scott Farmer; and George Joseph. Founded in 2015 by Lindner and President/Co-CEO Jeff Berding, FCC began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2016. The club won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship and earned postseason berths in all three of its USL seasons. In 2017, FC Cincinnati also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a run that included victories over two MLS squads. FC Cincinnati entered MLS as the 24th team in 2019 and opened the club’s 26,000-seat soccer-specific TQL Stadium in the West End neighborhood in 2021. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. FC Cincinnati has been recognized for its exceptional growth, impact and company culture as one of Sports Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of “75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home.”; on the Business Courier’s Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati’s fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer’s Top Workplaces 2024.

FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.