Senior HR Generalist – Benefits Lead

About the BSO

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to bringing world class music and performances to the local and international communities. The key to our success has been our employees, from the musicians onstage to those behind the scenes.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Human Resources Generalist with a strong background in benefits administration, compensation, and total rewards to join our HR team. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in managing employee benefits programs, supporting compensation equity and processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This role is both hands-on and strategic, supporting employees and managers while contributing to broader HR initiatives that enhance employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer day-to-day employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, COBRA, disability, workers compensation, retirement plans, wellness programs).

• Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and communication. Partner closely with the benefits broker and the HRIS Specialist for a strong process and experience.

• Serve as primary point of contact for employees, players and retirees regarding benefits inquiries, vendor escalations, and issue resolution.

• Collaborate with the payroll team, brokers and vendors to ensure accurate plan configuration, contributions, billing, and compliance.

• Monitor benefits trends and provide recommendations to enhance competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Compensation and Total Rewards

• Support the design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs, including salary structures, annual merit cycles, incentive plans, and market pricing.

• Conduct job evaluations, analyze market data, and develop recommendations for salary adjustments.

• Assist in maintaining job descriptions and leveling frameworks.

• Partner with HR leadership to refine total rewards strategies that attract, motivate, and retain talent.

Performance Management Support

• Support the annual performance management cycle, including goal setting and year-end evaluations.

• Assist managers and employees with navigating performance tools, timelines, and best practices.

• Help collect, track, and report performance data to support compensation and talent decisions.

• Manage benefits administration specifically within Workday, ensuring accurate configuration and data integrity.

• Maintain confidential and compliant employee records related to compensation and benefits.

• Prepare compensation and benefits compliance reports and coordinate audits with Finance.

• Assist with new hire paperwork, benefits enrollment, and system access setup.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to promote an organized and consistent onboarding process.

HR Operations and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations related to benefits, leave, and compensation.

• Manage leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave) in coordination with vendors or internal teams.

• Maintain accurate HRIS data for benefits and compensation components.

• Support internal auditing, reporting, and documentation to meet compliance and policy requirements.

Employee Relations and Engagement

• Provide guidance to employees and managers on policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Support employee offboarding processes and contribute to exit documentation and compliance.

• Participate in employee engagement initiatives and help foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Required Education and Experience

• 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, with a strong emphasis on benefits administration, compensation, and total rewards.

• In-depth knowledge of benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).

• Experience with HRIS systems (Workday preferred, ADP, UKG, or similar).

• Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, and HR systems.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed recommendations.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding compensation and benefits data.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Preferred: Professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP, CEBS, or CCP).

Salary Range: $84,000 - $103,000

The BSO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, as well as our own institutional EDI values.