HR Specialist (benefits and leave) - US market

We are currently seeking an experienced HR Specialist (Benefits and Leave) - US market to join our team and support our partner company, Orchestra. Orchestra operates within a network of nine strategic communication and marketing agencies, including BerlinRosen, Derris, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team.

As an HR Specialist (Benefits and Leave), you will be part of the People team and lead the day-to-day administration of the company’s benefits programs and own the full lifecycle of leave of absence management. 

Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Manage the day-to-day technical administration of the company’s benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and other offerings)
• Lead open enrollment technical administration, including planning, and system updates
• Work with the Benefits Director to maintain and audit benefits data in the HRIS, ensuring accuracy across system, ie ACA compliance
• Support reporting, billing reconciliation, and ongoing process improvements
• Work with the Benefits Director to partner with brokers and vendors to resolve issues, improve processes, and ensure a strong employee experience
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Leave of Absence

• Own and manage all leave of absence cases, including FMLA, ADA, disability, and state/local leave programs (e.g., NY, CA, DC Paid Family Leave)
• Guide employees and managers through the leave process with clarity and care
• Coordinate closely with payroll, managers, and third-party administrators to ensure smooth transitions and accurate tracking
• Handle complex and sensitive cases, including accommodations and interactive processes

Compliance & Operations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (COBRA, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, etc.)
• Prepare and distribute required notices and documentation
• Stay up to date on regulatory changes and help evolve policies and practices

Employee Experience

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits and leave
• Create and maintain clear, accessible resources and communications
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes related to benefits and leave

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in benefits and leave administration in the US market
• Experience in a multi-state environment (NY, CA, DC, etc.) – mandatory
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms like Paylocity (preferred), Workday, or ADP – mandatory
• Strong knowledge of leave laws (FMLA, ADA, multi-state programs) and benefits operations
• Highly detail-oriented and comfortable working across systems and vendors
• Clear communicator, approach employee interactions with empathy and discretion
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities at once
• Great English communication skills
• HR certification (SHRM or PHR) – plus

We offer:

• Full-time, remote work
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, starting from 11pm CET (or later)
• Private Health Insurance from day 1
• Structured processes, such as timely and organized performance reviews

If this seems like the right job for you, we invite you to submit your resume in English. Please keep in mind that resumes in other languages might not be considered.