Rachael Straus

Lead administration and strategic support of comprehensive employee benefits programs for a workforce of 3,500+ employees across multiple locations. Partner with leadership, HR teams, brokers, consultants, and external vendors to deliver compliant, cost-effective, and employee-focused benefits solutions that enhance the overall employee experience. Key responsibilities include: • Manage day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and leave programs • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and company regulations through ongoing audits, testing, reporting, and process improvements • Oversee leave-of-absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, and workers’ compensation, while partnering closely with HR, managers, and third-party administrators to support employees throughout the leave process • Partner with brokers, consultants, vendors, HR, and leadership to optimize service delivery, enhance employee experience, and maximize program effectiveness and ROI. • Provide consultative guidance to leadership and employees on benefits strategy, policy interpretation, compliance, and employee support programs • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on employee engagement, communication, and benefits education

• Led human resources functions for a 650-employee private medical practice, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. • Developed and implemented comprehensive HR policies to enhance workplace culture and compliance. • Oversaw recruiting efforts, streamlining processes to attract top talent in the healthcare sector.

• Directed all human resources functions for a 500-employee property management firm. • Partnered with the CEO and senior leadership to align HR strategy with business goals. • Oversaw a team of HR professionals, guiding the full suite of HR and recruiting functions.

• Directed all human resources functions for a 250-employee professional services firm during and post-merger. • Implemented firm-wide HR strategies, overseeing policy design, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and performance management. • Led and developed an HR team to enhance organizational performance across 15 states.

HR Manager for an elite IT professional services firm. A broad range of responsibility/accountability to build company-wide HR capabilities through strategic organizational development, HR policy design and administration, change management, total compensation, performance management, and special projects.

• Reported directly to the CHRO, overseeing HR initiatives for 40,000 employees globally. • Managed high-impact projects including mergers, acquisitions, and international expansions. • Acted as the HR Business Partner for HQ and corporate staff, driving organizational performance.

• Provided HR services for an employee population of 700, ensuring compliance and a positive employee experience. • Managed the recruitment process from requisition to offer, implementing innovative strategies for talent acquisition. • Spearheaded an employee relations program, conducting internal investigations and managing grievances to mitigate legal risks.