Sr Total Rewards Specialist

Job Title: Sr Total Rewards Specialist
Clearance Required: None
Work Location: Hybrid; Vienna, VA

 Key Responsibilities: 

The Total Rewards Specialist supports the administration and ongoing optimization of the organization’s benefits, compensation, and HR systems. This role partners closely with HR, Payroll, and external vendors to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and effectively supported by data and systems. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with benefits and compensation administration, strong analytical skills, and comfort working in HRIS and benefits platforms.

Benefits Administration

• Support day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and wellness offerings
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and assist with issue resolution and escalations
• Collaborate with the payroll team, brokers and vendors to ensure accurate plan configuration, contributions, billing, and compliance
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including system configuration, vendor coordination, and employee communications
• Maintain accurate benefit data in HRIS and benefits administration systems and support audits and reconciliations
• Manage leave administration and coordinate directly with Payroll regarding benefits payments and repayments
• Manage Employee Wellness Program, including events and communication
• Partner with HR Leadership to monitor benefits trends and provide recommendations for enhanced competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.

 Compensation Support

• Assist with compensation analysis, including market pricing, salary benchmarking, and internal equity reviews
• Support annual compensation processes such as merit increases, promotions, and salary adjustments
• Track and manage business development new award bonus process
• Prepare reports and data summaries to support compensation decisions and leadership reviews
• Maintain job data, salary structures, and documentation in alignment with company policies, compliance requirements, and job architecture framework

 HR Systems & Data

• Maintain and audit employee compensation and benefits data within HRIS and related systems
• Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and Finance to ensure accurate data flow between systems
• Maintain benefit related payroll notes and review payroll semi-monthly in concert with Payroll Specialist
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports related to total rewards programs, trends, and participation
• Support testing and implementation of system updates, enhancements, and new total rewards tools

 Compliance & Program Support

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and location regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA and external vendors to maintain compliant plan administration
• Assist with compliance activities related to benefits and compensation (e.g., audits, filings, plan documents, disclosures)
• Support documentation and process improvements for total rewards policies and procedures
• Stay informed on regulatory changes impacting benefits and compensation programs and escalate as needed
• Deliver New Employee Orientation, Manager's Orientation, and Executive Orientation
• Manage unemployment claims - Process and respond to requests for separation, and attend unemployment hearings as needed

Required Qualifications:  

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field 

Experience/Skills: 

• 5+ years of experience in benefits and compensation
• Hands-on experience supporting employee benefits and compensation programs
• Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration systems (UKG Ready preferred, Workday, ADP, or similar platforms)
• In-depth knowledge of benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
• Experience managing