Benefits Analyst

At Equity Residential, we're dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we invite you to be part of our team. Embracing values like Diversity, Sustainability, and Total Wellbeing, we foster a workplace culture of authenticity and collaboration.

What You’ll Be Doing:

The Benefits Analyst is a key member of the HR Operations team responsible for supporting and owning the day-to-day operations of the company’s health, welfare, and retirement programs. This role ensures programs are delivered accurately, efficiently, and with a strong employee experience.

This position requires a high degree of ownership, critical thinking, and proactive problem-solving. The ideal candidate does not simply execute tasks but identifies issues, recommends solutions, and drives work to resolution in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: This role follows a hybrid work schedule based out of the Equity Corporate Office at 2 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago, IL, with in-office presence required Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays, in accordance with the company’s corporate attendance policy.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: 

The essential responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Benefits Operations & Vendor Management

• Owns day-to-day administration of health, welfare, and 401(k) programs, ensuring accuracy and timely execution
• Serves as a primary point of contact for benefit vendors; manages inquiries, escalations, and follow-through
• Proactively monitors vendor performance and platform experience to ensure alignment with company expectations
• Verifies that issues are fully resolved and escalates when needed

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Investigates and resolves complex benefit and system issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions
• Identifies trends, risks, or gaps in processes and takes initiative to address them
• Recommends and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Performs audits, reconciliations, and data validation across systems, vendors, and payroll
• Analyzes data to identify discrepancies, trends, and cost drivers
• Develops reports and provides insights to support decision-making

Compliance & Program Integrity

• Supports and coordinates compliance activities (e.g., audits, 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing)
• Ensures benefit plans are administered in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements

Projects & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Leads or supports key initiatives such as annual enrollment, vendor transitions, and plan changes
• Partners with Payroll, HRIT, Finance, and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes

Employee Experience & Communication

• Resolves escalated employee inquiries with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and service
• Contributes to employee communications and ensures consistency between messaging and employee experience

Additional Requirements 

• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Works with protected health information and confidential data. Maintains employee confidence by keeping benefits information confidential.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
• The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor limit the Company’s right to assign other functions to an employee in this position.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 3+ years of benefits or HR experience with exposure to health & welfare and/or retirement plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends
• Experience working with benefit vendors and managing issue resolution
• Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups); ability to work with large data sets
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with a high level of independence
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex information clearly
• Experience with outsourced benefits administration

Additional Information: 

• Machines, Tools and Equipment, Software: Computer w/Internet and e-mail capabilities, Telephone, and Photocopier. Software to include Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, Docs/Sheets/Drive, etc.). 

Certifications:

• HR or benefits certification (CEBS, PHR, etc.) preferred

SALARY:  $71,015 - $86,796 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary annual 10.5% bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: This role follows a hybrid work schedule based out of the Equity Corporate Office at 2 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago, IL, with in-office presence required Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays, in accordance with the company’s corporate attendance policy.

How We Deliver a Winning Performance:  

• Question Authority 
• Walk the Talk
• Share Knowledge
• Listen, not just Hear
• See the Glass Half Full
• Take Educated Risks
• Enjoy the Ride
• Share the Spotlight
• Do the Right Thing
• Test Your Limits 

We Care About Your Total Wellbeing:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision care 
• Social Wellbeing: 9 paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, Competitive Compensation
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development
• Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES: 

Ability to hear and speak well enough to converse verbally over the phone and in-person (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken or written word). Ability to interpret, evaluate and communicate detailed written or verbal instructions to others accurately and easily.   Able to see well enough to use the computer effectively and read written communications.  Ability to lift, push, pull or carry up to 15 pounds for the dissemination of documents, supplies, materials, etc. to various locations throughout the office/facility. May be required to climb stairs depending on the property structure. 

The above describes the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job.  “Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only.  Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT  Office environment.

About Us

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. 

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

When you join Equity Residential, you won’t be treated as simply another employee — you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing. 

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value — in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive. 

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.