Job Title:

Senior Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Location (city, state):

Washington, DC (Hybrid – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in-office; Monday/Friday flexible)

Industry:

Public Relations

Pay:

• Contract Hourly Rate: $28-$32/hr
• Salary Upon Conversion: $70,000 - $90,000/year

About Our Client:

A highly reputable public relations firm in Washington, DC, with a strong focus on equality and diversity. This majority women-owned organization has grown to over 1,200 employees globally, with 400+ based in North America. The firm is known for its collaborative and inclusive culture, offering excellent benefits and opportunities for growth.

Job Description:

The Senior Benefits & Payroll Specialist will support payroll and benefits operations during a busy season, serving as the lead administrator for various health and wellness programs, retirement plans, and domestic/international insurance plans. The role also involves managing payroll processing and compliance, providing leave administration, and improving HR technology and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer benefits programs, including health/dental, 401(k), flexible spending accounts, workers’ compensation, and COBRA.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Develop efficient and compliant benefits procedures and communication plans for employees.
• Support payroll processing, including benefit deductions, tax withholdings, and reconciliation.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and wellness events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to manage benefits for domestic and international employees.
• Provide leave administration for FMLA, STD, and LTD.
• Reconcile benefits accounts and approve billing statements.
• Prepare reports for compliance and organizational needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in benefits administration and payroll.
• Experience supporting at least 400+ employees across North America.
• Strong knowledge of compliance requirements (COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Oracle HRIS systems.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Details:

• Contract-to-hire role with potential conversion after 3-6 months based on performance.
• Full-time (40 hours per week), eligible for overtime with supervisor approval.
• Immediate start date (target: 12/9).
• Interview process includes a virtual screen, panel interviews with HR team members, and possibly a second panel interview.

Perks:

• Opportunity to work with a leading PR firm known for its inclusive culture and strong mission.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility on Mondays and Fridays.
• Competitive salary and robust benefits package upon conversion.