Manager, Payroll & Benefits Administration

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with over 1,000 members, accelerates the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system for all. SEPA engages with its diverse membership - including utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies - through education, collaboration and convening to advance innovative policy, regulatory, and technology solutions. For more information, please visit www.sepapower.org.

Position

The Manager, Payroll & Benefits is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for our fully remote, multi-state workforce and serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits enrollment, life events, and leave administration. You will ensure compliance with payroll and benefits regulations, maintain data integrity within our UKG HRIS system, and support a positive employee experience through responsive and knowledgeable service. This position also manages payroll tax reporting, benefit plan deductions, and year-end processing in coordination with our Finance and third-party vendors.

The Manager reports to the Chief People and Culture Officer and works closely with the People & Culture team. Also partners with the Finance department, and external vendors to support a seamless and compliant employee experience.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

Benefits Administration

HRIS and Data Integrity

Attributes

Service driven.* You have a strong enthusiasm for customer service – both internally with colleagues and externally with members. Good communicator.* You have exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. You are an adept consensus builder who excels at convening groups of people to reduce barriers. Strong attention to detail.* You are deadline-focused and understand the need for a quality product delivered on time. Your impeccable work style sets the standard. Proactive and self-motivated*. This is a key element of SEPA’s culture and is critical to our success. You think ahead, anticipate challenges, and take things from start to finish. You have a keen ability to determine what is working and what is not, and you take action to lead in the right direction. Flexible*. With major changes occurring both internally and in the industry at large, you are able to adjust to changing priorities and operate effectively in a fluid and fast-paced environment. Collaborative work-style.* With a wide range of stakeholders to support and/or guide, you possess a style that both complements the efforts and supports the needs of others.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

+ Attitude: Exude responsiveness and friendliness + Excellence: Deliver high quality work that members rave about + Ownership: Take personal responsibility for SEPA’s success + Growth: Seek out and embrace opportunities to grow SEPA and yourself + Balance: Always examine all sides of an issue + Comradery: Work hard with the team and have fun with the team + Transparency: Communicate honestly, frequently, and openly

Our Culture

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making.

SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.

ADA Requirements and Disclaimer

This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.