Benefits and Leave Specialist at Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Reports to: Director of Human Resources,

Compensation: $25.50 – $27.50 per hour, depending on qualifications

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

Position Summary

The Benefits and Leave Specialist’s primary responsibilities include benefits administration, open enrollment coordination, leave and ADA accommodation management, and development of materials for employee training. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits and leave, and maintains accurate records in HR systems. This role performs a wide range of human resources activities requiring a high level of confidentiality. This role reports directly to the Director of Human Resources. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time and non-exempt. The typical schedule is Monday-Friday days but must also be willing to occasionally work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administers health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 403(b), and EAP programs from onboarding through termination, including COBRA administration.
• Maintains accurate employee data in HRIS and benefits systems to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment.
• Processes benefit elections, qualifying life event changes, and ensures timely updates to carriers and payroll.
• Responds to benefit-related inquiries, provides guidance on plan options, and delivers exceptional customer service.
• Acts as the primary liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve eligibility issues, claims, and escalations.
• Prepares regular reports on enrollment, costs, and compliance; assists with internal and external audits.
• Collaborates with finance, payroll, and Director of Human Resources on trouble shooting system and benefits related issues and discrepancies.
• Stays up to date on benefits trends, legislation, and other related information.

Leaves and Accommodations

• Administers and coordinates all leave programs, including FMLA, MN-PFML, ESST, personal leave, parental leave, and military leave.
• Tracks leave usage and collaborates with Payroll to ensure accurate pay and benefits.
• Coordinates return-to-work process, including fitness-for-duty documentation and communication with managers.
• Serves as the primary contact for ADA compliance and accommodation requests; facilitates the interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations.
• Interprets and administers leave and accommodation policies in compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, MN-PFML, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).

Employee Onboarding & Offboarding

• Co-leads and assists with the coordination of onboarding and New Employee Orientation (NEO).
• Supports the processing of new hires in the Guthrie’s HRIS system (actors, understudies, stage managers, other roles as needed).
• Processes offboarding for employees leaving the Guthrie, including ending benefits deductions, and administering COBRA notifications.

Leadership & Administration

• Represents the Human Resources department on various internal committees providing updates to the HR Team.
• Serves as support and back up to the Senior HR Generalist including recruiting, posting, and onboarding tasks.
• Actively participate in team building, fostering a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
• Monitors the HR inbox, forwarding emails to HR staff members as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of local, state and federal employment laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in Human Resources, with a focus on benefits and leave administration.
• HR certification (SHRM, PHR, or similar) preferred.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated use of HRIS systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience establishing trust and maintaining effective relationships with internal managers.
• Willingness to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner, with a high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively and persuasively both verbally and in writing on an interpersonal and group level.
• Experience exercising professional discretion and maintaining confidentiality in regard to all human resources related matters.
• Can successfully collaborate/interact with various departments across the organization.
• Can sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Can lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including occasional evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.