THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The People Department at the Center is seeking a Benefits Manager. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Benefits Manager will oversee the Leaves and Accommodations Specialist and will oversee the benefits administration process.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Benefit Plan Oversight: 

• Administer and oversee all aspects of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other benefits; 
• Collaborate with external vendors, such as insurance providers and retirement plan administrators, to resolve issues and ensure seamless administration of benefits programs; 
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations; 
• Assist with organizing quarterly benefits committee meetings focused on health, welfare, and retirement benefits;
• Write minutes from meeting to ensure accurate record keeping; and
• Follow-up with vendor as needed. 

Leaves and Requests for Accommodations Oversight:

• Supervise the Leaves and Accommodations Specialist, foster a collaborative team, including providing support and consultation on leaves and requests for accommodations on more involved and complex matters; and
• Communicate with third party leave vendors on personnel matters and on any issues that arise regarding the leave plans. 

Compliance:

• Ensure benefits adhere to City, State, and federal labor laws; 
• Stay abreast of changes in labor law affecting benefits; communicate these changes internally; and
• Lead and execute annual compliance testing for benefits plans, including Form 5500 filings and 403(b) discrimination testing. 

Open Enrollment/Staff Communication:

• Oversee annual benefits open enrollment processes, including planning, communication, and implementation. Develop and distribute communication materials regarding open enrollment, plan updates and other relevant benefits information to employees;
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits, explaining options, resolving issues, and providing guidance as needed;
• Address and resolve complex benefits-related issues and inquiries from employees, ensuring timely and accurate solutions; and
• Conduct benefits orientations for new hires and provide ongoing education to employees on their benefits packages. 

Events: 

• Organize and facilitate employee engagement events, including health fairs, wellness workshops and informational sessions, to promote benefits utilization and support employee well-being; and
• Communicate with health vendors on wellness trends. 

Administrative:

• Process and reconcile benefits billing statements and provide finance department with detailed back up;
• Compute and accurately enter payroll deductions and add to internal spreadsheet for any new hires and benefit changes on a weekly basis, and input deductions into Paycom on a semi-monthly basis;
• Ensure accurate and timely enrollment of new employees in benefits plans and manage ongoing changes and updates;
• Update the HRIS, vendor portals, and other systems with new plan design changes;
• Update Intranet with any benefit changes; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:   

• A Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of related benefits management experience;
• Familiarity with Paycom, Cigna, and Principal is strongly preferred;
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills;
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and detail-oriented skills; 
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while efficiently completing tasks with multiple priorities and deadlines;
• The ability to use available resources and feedback to continually pivot, adapt, and grow;
• The ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality and discretion;
• Capability to work independently and prioritize tasks to ensure the timely completion of projects; and 
• A dedication to providing exceptional support to our employees will contribute to the success of our HR initiatives. 

Position Type: Full-time working 35 hours per week.

Position Location: 2-3 days a week on-site at our main office in midtown with potential travel within the five boroughs to other sites. 

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $100,000 - $ 125,000 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network after 90 days of employment. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.