Benefits Specialist (part-time Consultant)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Benefits Specialist Consultant with 5+ years of benefits administration and compliance experience to provide support during open enrollment and for general benefits operations. The consultant will partner with the benefits team and HR leadership to ensure accurate administration, regulatory compliance, and effective employee communication.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Duties

• Support the execution of open enrollment, including testing system configuration, coordinating with vendors, and fielding employee inquiries. 

• Provide Workday benefits administration support, including data validation and issue resolution 

• Conduct benefits data audits to ensure accuracy in enrollments, payroll deductions, and vendor reporting. 

• Monitor compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and support required filings. 

• Assist with benefits-related projects such as plan changes, vendor transitions, plan audits, and wellness initiatives. 

• Draft and distribute employee-facing communications related to benefits updates, enrollment, and policies. 

Required Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience). 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and compliance. 

• Hands-on experience with Workday Benefits administration (configuration, data validation, issue resolution). 

• Demonstrated knowledge of ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and other benefits-related laws and policies, with the ability to apply them in practice. 

• Proven ability to conduct benefits data audits and resolve discrepancies. 

• Strong communication skills, with experience developing employee-facing communications and guidance. 

• Ability to manage and support multiple benefits-related projects, ensuring timelines are met and stakeholders are aligned. 

• Track record of partnering effectively with HR colleagues, leadership, and external vendors, balancing detail orientation with big-picture outcomes. 

Preferred Education & Experience 

• Professional HR certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP/SCP, CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist). 

• Experience supporting open enrollment cycles in complex organizations. 

• Background in vendor management and coordinating across multiple benefits carriers. 

• Prior experience contributing to or managing benefits-related projects (plan design changes, vendor transitions, wellness initiatives). 

• Experience managing and supporting multiple benefits-related projects, ensuring timelines are met and stakeholders are aligned. 

Additional Job Requirements

Travel/Location

• Hybrid - availability to be onsite (Woods Hole) for meetings, events, and programs as needed

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Ins