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