Manager of HRIS & Benefits

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Director of Benefits

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt 

SALARY: $70,000 - $80,000

LOCATION: Hybrid

POSITION OVERVIEW:  Shedd Aquarium is one of the world’s premier aquatic institutions, dedicated to inspiring conservation efforts through education, research, and immersive experiences. Every day, we connect millions of visitors with aquatic life, fostering a culture of wonder and stewardship. Join us and help support the people who bring our mission to life. 

The Manager of HRIS & Benefits will report to the Director of Benefits & Wellness and will manage all aspects of HR information systems, data analytics and benefits operations. You’ll optimize HR operations, refine data analytics, maintain system integrity, and support compensation analysis across the institution. Your work helps maintain Shedd’s reputation as a top-tier employer in Chicago and beyond. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

HRIS Leadership & Optimization 

• Own and oversee Shedd’s HRIS (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG, or Ceridian Dayforce). 
• Manage user access, configurations, workflows, and system integrations (payroll, benefits, timekeeping, recruiting). 
• Coordinate system upgrades, testing, and new implementations. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors and internal partners. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical and business-related issues. 
• Train HR and departmental staff on HRIS usage and best practices. 

Data Integrity & Analytics 

• Ensure accurate and compliant employee data across the HRIS. 
• Develop and maintain standard and ad-hoc reporting/dashboard tools. 
• Provide actionable insights to HR leadership and department heads. 
• Support analytics for workforce planning, retention, budget forecasting, and equity initiatives. 

Benefits, Leave, and Compliance Administration 

• Assist in the oversight, design, implementation, administration, and evaluation of Shedd’s employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness initiatives. 
• Partner with brokers, carriers, and vendors to ensure competitive plan offerings and service quality. 
• Support annual open enrollment, including employee communications and system updates. 
• Administer and ensure compliance for leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other statutory or organizational leave policies. 
• Oversee the administration of workers’ compensation claims, ensuring timely reporting, case management, and coordination with insurance carriers and internal stakeholders. 
• Ensure benefits, leave, and workers’ compensation programs comply with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA). 
• Guide employees, managers, and HR staff on benefits, leave, and accommodation policies and procedures. 
• Monitor benefits and leave trends, recommending enhancements to maintain competitiveness and alignment with organizational goals. 
• Manage monthly benefit invoice reconciliation 
• Support wellness initiatives 
• Serve as a member of the Benefits Committee 

Continuous Improvement & Compliance 

• Monitor organizational compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to ACA requirements, EEO reporting, OSHA 300 logs, and other mandated filings. 
• Explore automation opportunities between HRIS and adjacent systems, recommending solutions. 
• Stay informed of HRIS and total rewards trends, attending relevant education or conferences. 
• Document processes, controls, and training materials to ensure institutional knowledge. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resource Management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:  

• Minimum 5 years in HRIS administration (ADP preferred) and benefits management.  
• Experience implementing, managing, and optimizing HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, UKG, or similar), including system configuration, integration, reporting, and user training. 
• Strong technical understand of HR data flows, integrations, reporting, and analytics.
• In-depth knowledge of laws and taxation impacting benefits and compensation, including but not limited to the FLSA, Equal Pay Act, Rehabilitation Act, Health Care Reform, FMLA, GINA, HIPAA, and other pertinent regulations 
• Experience supporting compensation analysis is a plus 
• Evidence of managing a variety of complicated tasks  
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database management, intranet, and email systems, are required. 
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and HRIS systems required.  
• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas. 
• Ability to understand and employ basic-level accounting/budgeting mathematics. 

Preferred Skills: 

• Ability to exhibit a wide degree of creativity  
• Reputation as a team player with good negotiating and consulting skills  
• Strong mathematical and analytical aptitude  
• HRCI or SHRM certification preferred 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.