Benefits and Wellness Manager

The Benefits & Wellness Manager is a critical role in the People Department focused on the well-being needs of our team members. Serving as a thought leader for benefits and wellness, the BWM makes data-driven decisions, applies deep expertise and keeps a pulse on industry best practices, CA and SF compliance, benchmarks and approaches. The BWM manages and administers policies and programs to promote employee health in areas including benefits, leaves of absence, and wellness. This role is responsible for managing and implementing benefit offerings, managing vendor partner relationships, and improving operational solutions to enhance employee engagement with benefit and wellness programs in the organization.

The position provides guidance and collaborates with leaders & people managers across the organization to improve team member wellness and engagement. The role reports to the Director of People Operations, and is a hybrid position that requires a minimum of three days per week worked on site.

Core Responsibilities

Department Management 

• Oversee benefit programs, working in partnership with the People Department to recommend and implement strategies and programs to ensure the organization’s competitive edge while controlling costs.
• Develop business plans to support Wellness goals that will meet team member needs and take advantage of organizational opportunities
• Manage Worker’s Compensation program 
• Identify best practices and supervise continuous improvement of work practices and employee health initiatives
• Collaborate with the People team members on special projects and strategies, strategic planning, engagement activities, reporting and analysis 

Department Administration

• Serve as a primary contact for team member inquiries related to benefits and wellness programs.
• Identify opportunities to improve programs and build scalable processes to enhance employee and administrative experiences.
• Develop HR documentation, including process flows, operating standards, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate and analyze employee engagement and wellness surveys, presenting findings and recommendations to improve satisfaction and retention.
• Collaborate with Finance on issues related to payroll data/processing; manages the benefits and leave related payroll
• Monitor program progress, track issue resolution, and provide internal updates.
• Support ongoing and ad hoc people projects based on organizational needs.

Benefits Administration

• Execute day-to-day operations for health and wellness benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Commuter, Disability, COBRA, 401K, and Leave of Absence Management.
• Administer and communicate benefit plans, including eligibility, enrollment, changes, and support for escalated questions.
• Lead monthly benefit orientation and annual open enrollment, including system updates and delivery of communication and education materials.
• Ensure benefits program administration aligns with company policies, plan documents, and applicable regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, including insurance broker, plan vendors, and third-party administrators.
• Conduct data audits to ensure effective benefits processes and data accuracy in HRIS and payer systems.
• Benchmark internal programs and monitor external trends to proactively adjust plans and stay competitive.
• Prepare and file quarterly and annual San Francisco HCSO reporting.
• Ensure compliance with benefit communication requirements (e.g., WRAP, SBCs).
• Partner with senior management on annual renewals and manage implementation of plan changes.
• Manage the benefits compliance calendar and associated deliverables.
• Promote benefit offerings through employee education, including annual benefits fair.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• 7-10 years of experience in Human Resources specializing in benefits and wellness program management
• Strong knowledge and experience in California and/or San Francisco compliance preferred
• Deep subject matter expertise in benefits administration and HRIS systems required
• PHR or SHRM-CP preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA
• Deep subject matter expertise in Federal, State and San Francisco compliance as it relates to Leaves of Absence and Accommodation requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to act with diplomacy and tact
• Customer-service oriented, ability to exercise good judgment, and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills – identifying roadblocks and developing process improvement solutions
• Effective decision making skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Highly organized
• Motivated, self-starter with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and independently achieve results and objectives
• Knowledge of and proficiency in using PC based applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the work place

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $103,000 - $114,000 / year.  Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

The San Francisco SPCA welcomes everyone! We welcome all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, political persuasions, languages, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and national origins. Diversity brings innovative ideas, perspectives, and opinions. We consider our differences to be valuable assets that will help us continually strive to be better at what we do and to advance our mission. 

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.