Senior Manager of Payroll & Benefits

The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is hiring a Senior Manager of Payroll & Benefits to join our People team and support the Operations department.

About the Organization:

The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections and the rule of law. We connect state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard democracy. We are guided by a bipartisan Advisory Board of former state and federal officials, issue experts, and law enforcement leaders from both major political parties who are committed to protecting the will of the people and the rule of law.

Job Overview:

The Senior Manager of Payroll and Benefits efficiently manages multi-state payroll processing and benefits programs. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing across multiple states while maintaining and optimizing our human resources information system (HRIS). This role requires knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits administration. The individual in this role is detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in managing payroll operations in a fast-paced environment for a diverse workforce.

Responsibilities:

• Process and manage multi-state payroll, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Administer payroll tax filings and ensure accurate withholdings and reporting.
• Oversee benefits administration, including enrollments, terminations, and compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Manage leave administration, time off tracking, and expense reimbursement processes.
• Work with People (HR) team to transition to new HRIS/Payroll system.
• Maintain and optimize the HRIS system, ensuring data accuracy and system efficiency.
• Work closely with COO and external finance team to ensure payroll and benefits data is aligned.
• Work with Director of People to develop and implement payroll policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Document and communicate processes and changes to processes for staff awareness.
• Manage relationships with payroll system /HRIS vendor and benefits partners, ensuring responsiveness to staff needs.
• Provide payroll and benefits-related reporting and analytics to support business decisions.
• Stay current with industry trends, legislative updates, and best practices in payroll and benefits management.
• Resolve payroll and benefits-related issues timely and accurately, ensuring a positive employee experience.

Minimum Requirements:

• Commitment to States United’s values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, with multi-state payroll experience required.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Proficiency in HRIS and payroll software (e.g., Paylocity, UKG, etc.).
• Experience with benefits administration, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel at least 10-15% of time for internal meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or SHRM certification.
• Experience working with a non-profit organization.
  
  

We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

• • Salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000 commensurate to experience.
  • Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation$100,000 - $110,000 DOE