Job Description

Manager, Payroll and Benefits 

Full-time FAS staff

Washington, DC

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• 4-6 years of experience in benefits and payroll administration.
• A deep understanding of various employee benefits, including health, retirement, and insurance.
• Intermediate/expert skills in Excel required.  
• Previous experience with HRIS software is highly desirable. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Monitors own work to ensure professional quality and punctuality.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Highly Preferred:

• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is highly preferred.
• Non-profit experience is highly preferred.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is searching for a Benefits & Payroll Manager to join our People & Culture team and play a key role in supporting our employees and ensuring financial accuracy behind the scenes.

In this position, you'll handle benefits administration and reconciliation, contribute to a broad range of administrative and payroll tasks that keep our operations running smoothly. This position plays a vital role in ensuring our team is supported through accurate, compliant, administration of pay and benefits programs.This role combines technical expertise with a people-first approach, ensuring employees are paid correctly, benefits are administered smoothly, and HR policies align with organizational values and legal standards.

This position partners closely with Finance, People & Culture, and external vendors to manage systems, streamline processes, and enhance the employee experience across the organization.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is comfortable managing confidential information with integrity and precision.

At the Federation of American Scientists, we believe in embracing a growth oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, our customers and the world. The Benefits & Payroll Manager Specialist will report to the Director of People & Culture.

What you'll do: (Core responsibilities)​​

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement, and leave programs.

• Manage open enrollment, employee eligibility, and benefit plan changes throughout the year.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with insurance brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.
• Coordinate benefits education sessions and communications to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in human resources management and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Audit and maintain accurate benefit use and accruals. Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.
• Reconcile benefits invoices and payroll deductions monthly, including COBRA enrollments and terminations, 403b contributions, FSA accounts and others.

Payroll Management

• Manage and process semi-monthly payroll for all FAS employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state and local laws. 

• Maintain payroll records, deductions (for benefits, retirement, garnishments), and tax withholdings in accordance with legal requirements.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on reporting, audits, and budgeting.
• Administer wage adjustments, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments as needed.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, and other applicable wage and hour laws.
• Liaison with payroll vendors to ensure payroll tax returns are filed timely and maintain accurate payroll tax records.
• Review and update payroll-related policies and procedures for clarity and compliance.
• Assist People & Culture with onboarding/entry of the open enrollment processes for new employee benefits and payroll.
• Special projects and tasks as assigned.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Prepare and file required reports such as ACA filings, 403(b) or 401(k) contributions, and benefits audits.

Work Environment 

This position will be based in Washington DC and will operate as a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.

Salary Range

$70,000-$85,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States. 

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