Benefits Administrator Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: Benefits Administrator Department: Human Resources / People Operations Location: [City, State] / Remote / Hybrid Reports To: HR Manager / People Operations Manager / HR Director Employment Type: Full-Time About [Company Name] [Company Name] is a [stage/size] company in [industry] with [X] employees across [X] states. Our benefits programs are a key part of our total rewards offering and employee experience. This Benefits Administrator will serve as the primary point of contact for all employee benefits questions, manage the annual open enrollment process, and ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, and COBRA requirements. We administer benefits through [HRIS/platform: specify]. About the Role We're looking for a detail-oriented, employee-focused Benefits Administrator to own the day-to-day administration of our employee benefits programs. You'll be the operational backbone of our benefits function — ensuring every employee has seamless access to their benefits, compliance deadlines are never missed, and vendor relationships are managed professionally. This role combines compliance knowledge with genuine care for the employee experience. Key Responsibilities • Administer all employee benefits programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k), commuter benefits, and EAP • Manage benefits enrollment for new hires, qualifying life events, and annual open enrollment — from employee communications through HRIS data accuracy verification • Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions: explain plan options, resolve coverage issues, and escalate claims disputes to insurance carriers or the benefits broker • Coordinate COBRA administration: send required notices, manage election tracking, and ensure timely premium collection • Prepare and file annual compliance requirements: Form 5500, ACA 1094/1095-C reporting, HIPAA privacy compliance, and non-discrimination testing • Manage the benefits broker relationship: attend quarterly reviews, support annual renewal negotiations, and evaluate plan performance data • Maintain accurate benefits enrollment data in [HRIS — specify]: audit records, reconcile carrier invoices, and correct enrollment discrepancies • Process employee leaves of absence: coordinate with managers on FMLA, STD/LTD, and state leave programs; maintain compliance with leave notice requirements • Develop and maintain benefits communications: summary plan descriptions, open enrollment guides, and benefits FAQ resources • Track benefits costs and prepare monthly/quarterly reports for HR leadership and Finance Required Qualifications • 3+ years of employee benefits administration experience • Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, ACA (1094/1095-C), HIPAA, and FMLA compliance requirements • Experience administering benefits through an HRIS platform ([Workday / BambooHR / Rippling / ADP — specify]) • Experience managing an open enrollment cycle from design through data validation • Strong attention to detail and data accuracy; ability to audit large enrollment datasets • Excellent communication skills: ability to explain complex benefits information to employees clearly • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field Nice to Have • CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) certification • Experience with multi-state benefits administration including state-specific leave mandates • Background with 401(k) plan administration and Form 5500 filing • Experience with benefits broker RFP processes or plan design changes What We Offer • Salary: $50,000 – $85,000/year (see benchmarks below) • Health, dental, and vision insurance • Flexible PTO + [X] paid holidays • CEBS certification support and professional development budget • Hybrid/remote flexibility • [Equity / 401(k) match — specify] Salary Range: $50,000 – $85,000/year (US, 2026 benchmark) [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.