Director of Employee Benefits

Gunderson Dettmer is the only business law firm of its kind - exclusively serving the global venture capital and emerging technology marketplace. With 400 attorneys in eleven offices - from Silicon Valley to Singapore - we innovate for innovators, accelerate entrepreneurship, and help build companies at every stage of the growth lifecycle. We are committed to being the employer of choice by working together to create an environment, in which each of our people can grow, take initiative, and develop a fun, fulfilling and financially rewarding career. 

Benefits

In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefit package, which includes full medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account and Paid Time Off. 

Job Summary

Gunderson Dettmer has an opening for a Director of Employee Benefits in our Silicon Valley office.  This position provides strategic leadership and direction for the creation and implementation of the firm's health and welfare plans. The Director of Employee Benefits leads and manages the firm-wide Benefits Team, motivating and developing staff to become a high-performing team by providing mentoring and training for each team member as a cornerstone of their career development.

Essential Job Duties

Health and Welfare

• Responsible for the overall design, administration, and management of all of the firm's domestic and international benefit and insurance programs, as well as the day-to-day administration of each.
• Develops cost analysis information for new plans and recommends cost sharing between employer and employee to the firm's Human Resources Officer (HRO).
• Analyzes, recommends changes to, and updates, as necessary, current policies and procedures related to benefits programs, their management, and administration to ensure efficiency, regulatory compliance, and attainment of best practices. 
• Participates in industry surveys, analyzes the results of surveys and makes specific recommendations regarding the firm's offerings.
• Researches and recommends program improvements as appropriate to maximize impacts on personnel and overall employee experience, focusing on designing tailored benefit strategies and programs for a diverse employee population.
• Drives the annual renewal, selection and design process of medical, dental, life, and disability offerings, partnering with our brokers and third-party vendors with a focus on innovation, standard methodology, cost, and value to firm personnel.
• Prepares, recommends, and manages the annual budget regarding firm-wide benefits offerings, both domestic and international for the HRO.
• Manages and provides support to the HRO regarding any RFPs/RFIs related to benefits offerings, negotiation of vendor contracts, drafting of contracts, plan documents, amendments, and summary plan descriptions.
• Manages and provides strategic direction for all tasks involved with the annual open enrollment process and any off-cycle launches.  Responsible for all employee benefits communications to ensure that, as a firm, we are proactively communicating to firm personnel regarding all benefits-related items.
• Takes a leading role in solving complex benefits issues for covered employees on issues that arise.  
• Provides subject matter expertise to the HRO regarding benefits issues, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices. 
• Manages wellness benefits program.   
• Provides strategic direction, and recommends modifications or improvements to our benefits policies and programs.

• Provides technical expertise to firm management and others in leadership throughout the firm regarding benefits issues, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.  Makes recommendations on changes to ensure the firm is a leader and employer of choice.
• Ensures a high level of client service and satisfaction, ensuring any issues and complaints received are rectified in a timely manner.  
• Leads ongoing education and guidance to all personnel regarding health and welfare issues. 
• Communicates and manages process improvements and vendor issues with other HR leadership and appropriate operational team members.

• Oversees the management of all leave programs at the firm and all components, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Responsible for addressing complex leave administration issues and collaborating with the HRO to resolve. 
• Ensures appropriate leave of absence reports are generated and distributed appropriately.

• Responsible for ensuring that all health and welfare benefit plans and practices, as well