Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing the academic achievement gap and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships. 

The Benefits Associate directly supports the Benefits Manager and is responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits plans, and programs, including retirement programs, medical, dental, vision, and voluntary benefit programs; life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and any ad hoc projects! They will serve as a benefits specialist when engaging with employees and school leaders! They will also collaborate with various teams as it relates to benefits data.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in developing and leading all network Benefit Orientations and Onboarding sessions, Office Hours, and additional staff engagement sessions
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes
• Advises the day-to-day administration of Uncommon’s 403(b)-retirement plan and the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement (MTRS) Pension program
• Leads all benefits enrollments, life status changes, and related data to ensure accurate eligibility information
• Contributes to, and in some cases leads, benefits-related special projects, including Open Enrollment and Wellness Fund, strategy communications, and execution, and Year-End Testing
• Handles relationships with outside health and welfare brokers, carriers, and consultants
• Facilitates distribution of employee resources related to benefits enrollment materials
• Leads the Benefits team’s employee/knowledge management portal
• Handles allocations and billing for all benefits-related expenses, a $20 million annual expenditure

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrable track record of speaking and writing clearly and persuasively
• Strong organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to prioritize the most critical work
• Focus on the employees we serve and an ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents
• Knowledge of benefit plan structure/requirements
• Outstanding judgment, sensitivity and high discretion
• Solid attention to detail and ability to project manage
• Some knowledge of employment law in New York, New Jersey and/or Massachusetts
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google suite of products
• Proficient in, or exposure to, ADP and/or Workday
• Willing to travel to our schools throughout our six regions

Preferred

• Background working with entrepreneurial organizations is strongly preferred
• Interest in education/charter schools a plus
• 2-3 years of HR experience
• 2-3 years of benefits experience preferred

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• SHRM certification preferred

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.