Director of Benefits Administration & Compliance

ABOUT ORCHESTRA

Orchestra is a full-service marketing-communications firm that offers clients across sectors unparalleled strategy, storytelling, and data science expertise. Its growing team of 700+ storytellers and strategists is shaping what's next in communications, with experience that spans consumer, technology, climate and sustainability, education, healthcare, philanthropy, real estate, travel, hospitality and arts and culture, to name a few. Since 2022, Orchestra has acquired nine firms, including: BerlinRosen, Civitas, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals.

People of color, people with disabilities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Orchestra is seeking a Director of Benefits Administration & Compliance to ensure our people programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with our values. . This is a hands-on leadership role that requires active involvement in the day to day management and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs.  The position is dedicated to delivering a high-quality, employee centric benefits experience that aligns with the organizational goals.  Additionally, it ensures full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations across US jurisdictions, mitigating risk and supporting operational integrity.  You’ll partner closely with the HR, Finance, and Operations to support employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Role location: This role is based in our Seattle, W.A., San Francisco, W.A., or San Diego, C.A.. office on a hybrid basis. Orchestra staff are in office 3 days per week.

ACCOUNTABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

Benefits Administration

• Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of all benefit plans, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, wellness, and voluntary benefits
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefit brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors
• Lead annual open enrollment, including plan selection, employee education, and system readiness
• Ensure competitive benchmarking and cost analysis to maintain market-competitive and fiscally responsible benefits programs
• Manage benefit-related escalations, employee inquiries, and resolution of complex cases
• Oversee and manage efficient and effective administration of our benefit programs; including launch of new programs, successful execution of open enrollment, in addition to timely and thorough audits
• Comfortable managing both strategic priorities and tactical tasks as needed

Compliance

• Ensure benefits and HR programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, IRS, DOL, and state-specific mandates)
• Own 5500 filings, plan audits, nondiscrimination testing, and other required reporting
• Partner with Legal and HRIS teams to ensure policies and processes are compliant and well-documented
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of benefits legislation and proactively adapt practices accordingly
• Oversee and manage leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws

Leadership & Strategy

• Build and deliver benefit and compliance-related training for HR partners, managers, and employees
• Contribute to broader People Operations initiatives related to employee experience and total rewards
• Partner with Head of HR and Finance for budgeting and forecasting benefit-related expenses

Essential Skills: 

• 8+ years of progressive HR/Benefits experience, including demonstrated success in large complex organizations spanning multiple locations and diverse benefit plan designs
• Strong expertise in benefits strategy, administration, and compliance
• Deep knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory requirements in the US
• Experience working with HRIS/benefits platforms (Paylocity)
• Excellent analytical, project management, and communication skills, capable of translating technical benefit information into accessible guidance for a wide range of audiences
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, scale programs, and thrive in a fast-paced, people-centric environment.
• A collaborative leadership style with a track record of successfully working cross-functionally with departments such as Finance, and Operations
• CEBS, CBP, or similar certification is a plus

WORKING AT ORCHESTRA

Compensation philosophy: Orchestra offers competitive industry rate salary bands with the goal of retaining and growing talented individuals. We regularly review and adjust our compensation structure as needed to ensure equity across teams and levels.

Salary range (commensurate with experience and skills): $155,000-$170,000, plus eligibility for end of year bonuses based on firm, team and individual performance.

Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Pre-tax Health Savings Account Savings Plan (HSA-SP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401K with a 4% employer match and no vesting period
• Generous paid time off
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Mobile phone reimbursement for data and minutes
• Employer-funded life insurance
• Discounted annual bikeshare membership
• Corporate discounts through Tickets at Work

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Orchestra is the first communications company built for today’s media landscape. Since 2022, it’s acquired nine firms, including: BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for your communication professionals. Learn more at: www.orchestraco.com.

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