The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the Discovery Center and Pavilions provide indoor and outdoor event facilities, we offer delicious food options at three major restaurants, and we have over 20 different animal exhibits. We are very customer focused as we host over 2 million guests at Brookfield Zoo each year. We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Benefits Specialist contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by effectively overseeing certain aspects of the Society's benefit program in order to attract and retain a high-caliber workforce and to contribute to the Society's financial sustainability. Has primary responsibility for employee wellness education, awareness, and promotion and leave of absence management.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Responsible for leave of absence management and assures compliance with state and federal regulations and Society policies. Works with Director, Compensation and Benefits on non-standard leaves or special circumstances. Works with Director, Human Resources on any staff ADA accommodations requested and non-FMLA leaves that are not be approved. Coordinates with Safety Department staff on workers' compensation leaves and with Payroll regarding pay or time adjustments, as appropriate. Ensures that the Leave of Absence computer system is maintained current up-to-date. Work with employees who file short and long-term disability claims, including Life Insurance Waivers of Premium, if applicable.
• Conducts annual benefit enrollment process in conjunction with Human Resources Generalist. Assures all forms are complete and processed with vendors, and HRIS is accurately updated with necessary changes.
• Manages Employee Assistance Program ("EAP") promotion and activities. Uses EAP as a resource for various wellness topics and staff training.
• Provides support to the Director of Compensation and Benefits in administering certain day-to-day aspects of the Society's benefits program as needed. This includes both retirement and health and welfare benefits.
• Responsible for wellness promotions and activities. Investigate trends and alternatives to enhance wellness program offerings and make recommendations to enhance and supplement the wellness program, initiatives, and communications. Develops annual wellness calendar and implementation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested to assure successful achievement of the Society's benefits objectives.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include:

• Minimum Associates Degree in Business, Human Resources, or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
• Minimum three years relevant experience administering leaves of absence program and relevant benefits experience.
• Working knowledge of relevant employment law, HR functions, systems, and procedures.
• Requires strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail, completeness, and accuracy. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent follow-up/follow through skills essential.
• Excellent customer service skills. Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability required.
• Resourcefulness and ability to work with little direct supervision.
• Good writing and proofreading skills essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
• Computer proficiency, including hands-on experience with spreadsheet, word processing, and benefits/HRIS database software.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

The preferred qualifications include:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with Optis LeaveXpert software or other leave management or benefit management software.
• Experience with IBM SumTotal HRIS a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This is a salaried, non-supervisory position that provides primary support to the Director of Compensation and Benefits. Workweeks in excess of 40 hours are not unusual.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.