External Description:
Benefits Specialist
The Air Line Pilots Association, International, the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Benefits Specialist for our office in Rosemont, IL. The Benefits Specialist helps to develop and implement the United Airlines Master Executive Council’s goals by providing professional and technical support to the United Airlines pilots in the understanding of the United welfare and retirement benefit programs, specifically, Group Life, Health, Dental, Disability, Retirement Plans (both defined contribution and market-based cash balance plans), and Section 125 Plans. They also provide continuity by establishing relationships with company representatives, ALPA staff, and outside service providers such as investment managers, trustees, third party administrators (TPAs), insurance brokers, CPAs, actuaries, and claims adjustors.
They provide support to the pilot group concerning their company- and union-sponsored employee benefit programs, including market-based cash balance plan, 401(k), disability, health (medical, dental, vision, and account-based programs), life, and AD&D. Working with experienced staff in the MEC office and ALPA national office, the Benefits Specialist works closely with and supports the members of the pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) Retirement & Insurance (R&I) Committee, as well as functions as an in-house consultant to other MEC committees in the area of employee benefits, and as a daily contact in the MEC Office for individual pilots, providing information and assistance in the benefits area.
They will help develop and conduct regularly scheduled benefits-related seminars for pilots, as well as prepare PowerPoint presentations and strategic communications. They also work with the company to resolve benefits issues for members. Because they work with members of the MEC, MEC committees, and other ALPA staff to provide the required benefit consulting expertise for the member or project under consideration, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of benefits, current trends and legislation, and will be expected to maintain knowledge in these areas.
Local, national, and international travel: 5 – 10%.
ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant area from an accredited college or university is required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five (5) or more years of experience working in employee benefits required, ten (10) or more years strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of the design, operation, and legal requirements of defined benefit plans; 401(k) plans; health plans; self-insured disability plans; and, other welfare benefits required.
- Working knowledge of laws on benefits and compensation required.
- Airline and/or union experience a plus.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with MEC members, MEC committees, individual members, internal staff, and external contacts.
- Experience preparing PowerPoint presentations and other strategic communications.
- Experience in developing and planning a project from concept to go-live.
- Certification as an Employee Benefits Paralegal or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) preferred but not required.
- Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
Physical Demands:
Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.
Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information.
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and, internationally). Also includes occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.
Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)
ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:
- 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period;
- Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
- 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
- Generous sick and bereavement leave;
- Competitive parental leave;
- Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
- Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
- Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
- Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
- Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.
PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 80,884.00 – $ 115,549.00
Relocation not provided.
Sponsorship not available for this position.
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