HR Specialist - Benefits and Compliance

ABOUT US: THE METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 88-years in service to the East Tennessee area. Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.

The Position

We are currently seeking a non-exempt Human Resources (HR) Specialist , primarily focused on Benefits and Compliance . In this role, you will be responsible for administering and maintaining employee benefits programs and communications, compliance with leave management requirements and processes, reconciling benefits expenses with benefits elections, and supporting worker’s compensation activities. As part of a small team, this position also supports other activities within human resources operations. This is a fully on-site position , and at times, will require some overtime.

Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

Administer and maintain employee benefits programs, including fully-insured health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance; retirement plans, and other related offerings;

Support new hire orientation and on-boarding/off-boarding of benefits

Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits, eligibility, coverage, and claims

Plan annual benefits open enrollment and prepare materials for distribution to employees; support the benefits portion of employee orientations and out-processing

Coordinate with external benefit providers to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit inquiries and qualifying events

Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on benefits enrollment, participation, and cost

Assist in the development and implementation of benefit policies and procedures

Stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in regulations related to employee benefits

Benefits Expense Reconciliation

Reconcile benefits expenses with benefits elections to ensure accurate billing and payment of benefits across varied providers

Work with benefit providers and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of benefits expenses

Identify and resolve discrepancies in benefits expenses and benefits elections

Leave Management

Provide guidance on leave options in accordance with company policies, and federal and state regulations

Work with managers and employees to develop and implement effective absence and leave management strategies

Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to absence and leave management including FMLA, ADA, and Worker’s Compensation

Raise awareness of issues needing further review to HR leads

Other Administration

Assist the HR Department in all HR programs and employee events

Administer and maintain worker’s compensation program

Process and maintain OSHA’s recordkeeping files

In a team environment, assist to back-up other HR employees in their absence

General filing and additional duties as assigned in support of the HR Department

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or a related field. He or she will also have at least 2 years of experience in human resources, benefits administration, absence/leave management, and reconciliation of benefits expenses. Certification in HR, benefits or a related area is not required but helpful.

Minimum Qualifications

An Associate’s degree with 4 or more years of experience in related benefits administration, absence/leave management, reconciliation of benefits expenses, and/or human resources may also be considered.

Skills and Abilities Needed

experience in and knowledge of federal and state regulations related to employee benefits and absence/leave management

ability to maintain strict confidentiality of personal information

excellent organizational and time management skills

advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reconciliations; financial acumen

proficiency with applicable software including MS Office Suite

attention to detail and deadlines

strong communication and customer service skills

can be effective while assisting people during times of difficultly or high emotion toll

multi-tasking skills and comfort with continuous learning

ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

some project and event coordination experience

enjoys working in both a collaborative team environment, as well as, independently

understands and applies records management and documentation

Salary and Compensation

The salary rate for this non-exempt position is $53,605 - $69,686 per year. MKAA offers a very competitive benefit package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a) retirement program. Final salary offer will be dependent upon experience.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, October 4, 2026 . *** Position open until filled .

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR. Resumes/Applications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.

Applicants must submit ALL of the following in order to be considered: Official Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Application or resume (Applicants submitting resumes must submit a completed signed copy of the MKAA application prior to being interviewed).

Selection Process

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority complies with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act and federal law by participating in E-Verify. All post-offer new hires are verified electronically to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long‑term basis.

MKAA conducts random employee drug screenings.

MKAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer