Our Organization

Working from a sincere interest in issues of social justice, William Boyce Thompson founded the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) in 1924, believing that basic plant research could lead to real societal benefits. BTI’s nineteen faculty-run laboratories and greenhouse facilities are staffed by more than 110 researchers from more than forty countries. The research out of these laboratories has the potential to improve important food crops, demystify plant and human immune systems, and reveal alternative, sustainable sources of energy. The majority of this research is funded through external grant funding.

Summary

BTI is looking for an HR Benefits Specialist to help deliver benefits and leave experience to employees through seamless communications, service-orientation, and coordination of people, systems, and processes. The Benefits Specialist is responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave, and the 403(b) plan. This role will report to our Director of Human Resources and will be part of our HR team. This is a great opportunity at a Boyce Thompson Institute for someone who is passionate about their personal growth, supporting others, and enjoys having a variety of things to do each day.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage FMLA leave requests, STD/LTD request, PFL requests, workers’ compensation claims and audit, OSHA reporting and postings, unemployment claims, 5500 reporting, and all insurance related processes.
• Ensure the organization stays in compliance with ACA requirements.
• Manage 403bretirement plan.
• Manage and coordinate annual open enrollment process with benefit carriers and the payroll vendor.
• Assist employees with any benefit related questions.
• Reconcile benefits enrollment, deductions, and cancellations; ensure vendor invoices are reconciled and submitted for payment in a timely manner.
• Manage and grant/cancel access to benefits vendor sites, HRIS system and other internal platforms as needed.
• Manage and effectively use the HRIS system understanding all benefits and features of the platform to ensure an automated and streamlined process.
• Facilitate the provisioning and deprovisioning process for all employees.
• Maintain institute new hire and turnover report. Prepare monthly data dashboards and reports.
• Maintain accurate new hire folders and electronic employee files. Ensure files are complete and in compliance for audits.
• Prepare employment offers, intern agreements and contracting agreements in compliance with internal guidelines.
• Prepare and submit annual EEO-1 and VETS reports.
• Prepare and submit the Affirmative Action report annually.
• Manage verification of employment and other employee requests.
• Ensure that HR record keeping meets the requirements of auditors and government agencies.
• Ensure that the organization complies with all state, federal and grant legal, regulatory, and funding requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations related to the Human Resources function including, but not limited to, FLSA, ADA, and FMLA.
• Able to prioritize and work well under pressure.
• Accuracy, timeliness, and acute attention to detail and impeccable follow-up skills.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn additional software as needed such as Paycom.
• Must be proactive, and a resourceful teammate, with a can-do attitude, demonstrated ability to work independently, with all levels of management, use sound judgment and make decisions and recommendations.
• Display sound judgement and prioritizing skills.
• Ability to remain calm, cool, and collected while managing many important tasks simultaneously.
• Resourcefulness, and the self-motivation to learn the business.
• Ability to work and communicate with all levels of internal and external parties.
• Passion for customer service, and true empathy for our candidates.
• A keen eye for details across the board.
• Strong ethical standards, handle multiple tasks confidentially with integrity.
• Professional manner in person and on the telephone.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills including the ability to listen well.
• Have passion and enthusiasm for bringing great talent.
• Willingness to collaborate and achieve results in cooperation with others.
• A strong interest in BTI’s mission.
• Demonstrated commitment to the HR function.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.
• Maintains manager and employee confidence by keeping human resources information confidential

Required Skills/Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Associates degree in HR or related field, but experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education.
• Two year’s of experience in HR and/or benefits administration.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field of study.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification credential.