J. Helena Beyersdorf-Cottle
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Proactive, results-oriented, and vision-driven professional with experience in working with variety of public and private sector constituents. Lead through sound decision-making and strong organizational skills. Able to motivate employees and volunteers to achieve peak productivity and achievement of target goals. Committed to inclusiveness, with ability to work effectively with diverse groups and key community leaders and organizations. Excellent public speaking, written communication, interpersonal skills in establishing and cultivating strategic partnerships and key alliances.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Benefits Analyst
Alexandria City Public Schools
2023.06 - Current
- Coordinates all aspects of employee benefits and benefits information; from health and life insurance to retirement benefits; Supports the administration of all aspects of benefits: from health insurance to retirement plans to leave administration
- Acted as point of contact to receive and respond to inquiries from members.
- Reported trends and metrics culled from HRIS data to develop programs, policies and solutions.
- Provided information and assistance for employee and retiree benefit plans.
- Provided subject matter expertise on eligibility, coverage, and other benefits matters.
- Ensured full compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations pertaining to employee benefits administration.
- Developed comprehensive employee communications materials to increase understanding and utilization of available benefits.
- Implemented established procedures for day-to-day service and administration of benefit plans.
- Processed contribution funding for FSA and HSA accounts.
- Trained new team members in policies and procedures and offered insight into best ways to manage job tasks and duties.
- Maintain relationships with vendors.
Benefits Analyst
Alexandria City Public Schools
2017.01 - 2023.06
- Supports the administration of all aspects of benefits: from health insurance to retirement plans to leave administration
- Is the primary contact and responsible for on-boarding for new employees in benefit eligible positions
- Managed relationships with external partners such as insurance carriers and brokers to ensure optimal service levels for both the company and its employees.
- Conducted thorough investigations into benefit-related issues, resolving discrepancies and providing prompt resolutions for employees.
- Collaborated with HR team to design and administer annual benefits open enrollment events, leading to a smooth process for all employees.
- Assisted in the development of educational materials for employee orientations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of available benefit options.
- Explained benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Trained new team members in policies and procedures and offered insight into best ways to manage job tasks and duties.
- Current duties include: leave administration, FMLA processing and monitoring; processing new hires, updating benefits due to qualifying life events, COBRA notifications
- Tasks include meeting with new hires regarding benefits, setting up and updating benefits in vendor and Tyler Tech HRIS systems, reviewing hiring documents and payroll data for accuracy
- Additional duties included updating special projects systems, training leave administrator, aiding the Senior Benefits Analyst
- Collaborates with talent acquisition staff in ensuring proper documentation is submitted and accurate
- Collaborates with the Human Resources Generalist in maintaining benefits payments for employees on Leave Without Pay status.
Principal
Cottle & Associates
2008.04 - 2017.07
- Developed cultural and heritage tourism programs and product for non-profit, local government and grass roots community organizations
- Facilitated community training workshops
- Collaborated with clients from concept through final delivery of product or service.
- Conducted workshops and training sessions to improve employee knowledge of best practices.
- Prepared presentations to explain revisions, enhancements and process improvements of organizations projects
- Conducted research and managed preparation, coordination and administration of grants
- Produced strategic planning process including outcomes and outcomes measures
- Researched and produced feasibility studies, marketing plans and interpretive plans
- Prioritized and corresponded task designation in relation to the client's project plan, strategic goals and program objectives
- Successfully authored and obtained more than $423,000 in federal grant funding.
- Provided sound guidance to ensure clients (grantee) compliance with regulations and statutory requirements
- Provided expertise and assistance in the pre-and post-award administration of grant funds
- Developed strategic planning and implementation with a focus on cultural and heritage tourism development
- Built strong relationships with clients, fostering long-term partnerships and repeat business.
Executive Director
Family Shelter
1999.07 - 2008.04
- Managed private, non-profit providing emergency shelter and transitional services to homeless families and their children
- Developed and directed strategy to increase financial stability and favorable community relations
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Initiated and expanded transitional housing program to include Housing First program
- Successfully authored and obtained more than $650,000 in federal grant funding during tenure
- Increased church donations by 10% in first year; individual donations by 5% in first year; increased volunteer base by 10% in first year
- Provided case management assistance to provide support to homeless families and connected them with community resources
- Contributed significantly to the planning and implementation of special fund raising and community awareness events.
- Successfully authored and obtained more than $650,000 in federal grant funding during tenure
- Completed all reporting and operational goals within the set grant timelines
- Served on local and state task force on homeless issues
- Reported to appropriate governmental entities on results and recommendations.
- Effectively prioritized and corresponded task designation in relation to the agency’s strategic plan and strategic goals.
- Planned, organized and managed special events including annual Gala and silent auction, annual volunteer appreciation dinners, monthly information luncheons, annual board meeting and media events
- Provided management and oversight on financial management, logistics, and reporting
- Developed marketing materials to be used by Board of Directors and volunteers in discussing and obtaining sponsorship funds.
Education
Master Public Administration -
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SCBachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SCSkills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Group and individual instruction
- Self-awareness
- Empathy Development
- Special events planning
- Skilled in Microsoft Office
Timeline
Senior Benefits Analyst
Alexandria City Public Schools
2023.06 - Current
Benefits Analyst
Alexandria City Public Schools
2017.01 - 2023.06
Principal
Cottle & Associates
2008.04 - 2017.07
Executive Director
Family Shelter
1999.07 - 2008.04
Master Public Administration -
University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of South Carolina
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