Benefits Manager

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a difference to the environment? The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) cleaned up Boston Harbor and currently provides Massachusetts with the cleanest drinking water in the country. Join a great team with unlimited aspirations!

About MWRA

At MWRA, we are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace. We provide comprehensive benefits, generous leave programs, and a mission-driven culture that values equity, diversity, and innovation.

Position Overview: Manager, Benefits & HRIS

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional to lead our Benefits, Leave, and HRIS programs. This role is critical in ensuring the well-being and support of our employees, as well as the seamless operation of our human resources systems. You’ll also oversee the workers’ compensation program and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

- Oversee employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, statutory and contractual leave, EAP, flu clinics, workers’ compensation, and unemployment benefits.

- Evaluate current benefit offerings and recommend enhancements or new programs based on workforce needs and best practices.

- Manage and maintain HRIS platforms to ensure accurate personnel data and effective reporting.

- Serve as the lead for all workers’ compensation claims and coordinate with internal stakeholders and third-party administrators.

- Lead procurement and vendor management for all benefit-related services.

- Provide expert guidance during benefit contract negotiations.

- Manage employee education initiatives related to benefits and leave policies.

- Partner with Compensation leadership to support long-term benefits and compensation strategies.

- Ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws including FMLA, PFML, and other collectively bargained leave policies.

- Serve as HR’s representative for HRIS and MIS projects, including upgrades and implementations.

- Maintain confidential personnel and medical files in compliance with legal standards.

- Represent MWRA in unemployment matters and legal inquiries related to employee records.

- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all departmental operations.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.

- Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including 3 years in a supervisory or management role; public sector experience preferred.

- Or a combination of education and relevant experience that meets the above criteria.

Required Skills & Experience

- Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws (FMLA, PFML, military, parental).

- Experience with workers’ compensation and unemployment processes, including the Massachusetts DUA appeal process.

- Proficiency with HRIS systems (Lawson or Infor preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.

- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

- Supervisory experience and ability to lead cross-functional projects.

Preferred Qualifications

- Valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license (or equivalent).

- Availability for on-call duty during nights and weekends on a rotating schedule.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range and benefits details will be discussed during the interview process. MWRA offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MWRA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.