Benefits Specialist

At Forrester, we’re trusted to work on trailblazing, mission critical problems that business and technology leaders face today. That’s why we’re always looking to empower talented individuals to perform at their best every single day. We’re proud of our community of smart people and vibrant voices who come together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage and customer obsession. The confidence and drive to be bold at work. Join us and build an extraordinary future.

About This Role:

The Benefits Specialist is a trusted member of the employee experience (EX) team, providing guidance and support to employees across the US and Canada. Reporting to the director of global benefits, this role is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Forrester’s North American Health & Wellness programs including vendor oversight, project coordination, and ensuring ongoing compliance with all applicable regulations.

Job Description:

Key responsibilities

• Administers US and Canadian benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and supplemental offerings.

• Processes benefit enrollments, terminations, and qualifying life events in Workday and vendor systems, ensuring accurate and timely updates.

• Monitors eligibility file transmissions and partners with the EX (HR) tech team to identify and resolve discrepancies.

• Supports annual open enrollment activities, including testing, communication updates, and data validation.

• Monitors, processes, and tracks all vendor invoices to ensure timely submission, reconciliation, and payment.

• Supports absence management and time-off administration, including coordination with employees, managers, and vendors as needed.

Retirement plan administration

• Supports administration of US 401(k) and Canadian RRSP programs.

• Partners with recordkeepers to investigate participant escalations, file errors, and payroll issues.

• Assists with annual compliance activities like ADP/ACP testing, audit requests, and 5500 preparations.

• Manages all required notices and employee-facing resources.

Employee support and experience

• Provides high-quality customer service for US and Canadian employees via the employee resource center system, email, phone, and virtual/in-person meetings.

• Facilitates new hire benefits orientation and presents retirement plan overviews.

• Maintains and updates intranet content, job aids, and benefits resources.

Compliance, audits, and reporting

• Assists with compliance obligations including ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, retirement plan testing, and annual government filings.

• Supports internal and external audits across benefits and retirement programs.

• Runs recurring and ad hoc reports for benefits, retirement, and EX needs.

Vendor and program support

• Partners with carriers, retirement recordkeepers, brokers, and consultants on escalations, eligibility challenges, and operational issues.

• Manages open issues and service items to ensure timely resolution.

• Assists with wellbeing initiatives and benefit engagement campaigns throughout the year.

Job Requirements:

• Three-plus years’ experience working in human resources with exposure to employee benefits and retirement plans.

• Strong working knowledge of US benefits and retirement regulations (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA); familiarity with Canadian benefits/retirement programs is strongly preferred.

• Experience with HRIS systems and payroll file/retirement feed processes; Workday experience is strongly preferred.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain benefits and retirement topics clearly and empathetically.

• High attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and working independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability and willingness to go into the Cambridge, MA office three days per week

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition. This salary range is based upon the position as described in the job listing. The offered compensation may vary within this range and is dependent upon the successful candidate’s primary work location, experience, training, education, and credentials.

Base salary range: $51,000 - $83,000

The percentage listed here is an estimated bonus target as a percentage of base salary, in accordance with the Forrester Employee Bonus plan. Individual and company performance, as well as other eligibility criteria, will determine the actual incentive amount.

Bonus target: 5%

We’re a network of knowledge and experience leading to richer, fuller careers. Here, we’re always learning. Whether you want to hone your strengths or discover new ones, Forrester is the place to go for it. It’s a place where everyone is given the tools, support , and runway they need to go far. We’ll be right there beside you, every step of the way.

Let’s be bold, together.

FLSA Status:

Here at Forrester, we welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Our aim is for all candidates to be able to fully participate in Forrester’s recruitment process. If you would like to discuss a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] .

Forrester Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. As a federal contractor, Forrester encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.