Senior Benefits Specialist

Senior Benefits SpecialistCompany: NorstellaLocation: Remote, United StatesEmployment Type: Full TimeNorstella is a premier and critical global life sciences data and AI solutions provider dedicated to improving patient access to life-saving therapies. Norstella supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the full drug development lifecycle from pipeline to patient. Our mission is simple: to help our clients bring therapies to market faster and more efficiently, ultimately impacting patient lives. Norstella unites market-leading brands - Citeline, Evaluate, MMIT, Panalgo, Skipta and The Dedham Group and delivers must-have answers and insights, leveraging AI, for critical strategic, clinical, and commercial decision-making.The RoleThe Benefits Specialist plays a vital role within the HR team, managing and administering employee benefits programs, supporting the enrollment process, serving as a point of contact for employee inquiries, ensuring compliance with benefits regulations, and driving benefit communication and engagement. This role will support employees globally across the US, UK, Canada, and other international locations.ResponsibilitiesAdminister day-to-day benefits operations including new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, COBRA/continuation, plan changes, leave planning, and year-end/open enrollment tasks.Serve as the primary liaison for employees regarding benefits questions (health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement/401k, wellness programs) and ensure timely and accurate resolution.Support the annual enrollment process and develop employee communication and education strategies to increase engagement.Maintain benefits data integrity in HRIS systems; conduct audits of enrollment data, payroll deductions, carrier invoices, and vendor contracts.Coordinate with vendors, brokers and consultants to manage plan renewals, negotiate service agreements and ensure cost-effectiveness and quality of services.Develop and execute employee communications and education materials regarding benefits offerings, wellness programs, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, ERISA).Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, Legal and HR partners to ensure benefits programs are aligned with organizational strategy, budgeted appropriately, and compliant with laws and regulations.Monitor benefits utilization, costs and feedback; assist in analyzing trends and recommending enhancements or new initiatives to improve engagement and value.Ensure compliance with benefits regulations globally (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA in the U.S., and equivalent frameworks internationally).And other duties as assignedQualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.3-5 years of experience in benefits administration in a growing/complex organization. Experience in a global or multi-jurisdiction context is a plus.Solid knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA) and familiarity with health, welfare, retirement benefit programs. Exposure to international benefits is a plus.Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail in data management, audits, and vendor/plan reviews.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly to employees, HR partners and vendors.Proficiency with HRIS systems, benefits administration software, spreadsheets and data reporting tools.Our Guiding Principles for Success at Norstella01: Bold, Passionate, and Mission-First02: Integrity, Truth, and Reality03: Kindness, Empathy, and Grace04: Resilience, Mettle, and Perseverance05: Humility, Gratitude, and LearningBenefitsMedical and Prescription Drug BenefitsHealth Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Dental & Vision BenefitsBasic Life and AD&D Benefits401k Retirement Plan with Company MatchCompany Paid Short & Long-Term DisabilityPaid Parental LeavePaid Time Off & Company HolidaysThe expected base salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to $99,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to base salary and a competitive benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.Norstella is an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), marital or domestic partner status, military or veteran status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal, state, or local law.