Senior Director, Benefits (M2)

Summary

As the leader of the Benefits team, the Senior Director, Benefits will play a key role in developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive employee benefit programs to attract, retain, and support the well-being of our workforce. This role is responsible for designing strategic benefit programs including health and welfare, retirement, and wellness while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, managing vendor relationships, and providing guidance on benefit-related matters to senior leadership and employees. The Senior Director also manages leave of absence programs, workplace accommodations, and workers compensation.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

Benefit Program Management (40%)

• Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of all employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and other ancillary benefits.
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts with benefit vendors and brokers to optimize service levels and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with finance to develop and manage the benefits budget, forecast expenses, and fringe, monitoring variances and completing required annual audits.

• Act as a liaison with selected outside advisers or consultants in providing information and data for analysis and benchmarking.
• Drive analytical rigor and analysis on effectiveness and competitiveness of existing programs and offerings; establish key metrics including usage, engagement, and cost analyses.
• Oversees administration of leave of absence programs, workplace accommodations and workers compensation.

• Partner closely with the HR Technology team on system integrations with partners and building reporting capabilities.

Strategic Planning (25%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals, industry trends, and employee needs.
• Conduct regular analysis of benefit programs to identify areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and industry best practices to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
• Consider innovative approaches to benefits that align with both todays and future workforce.

Compliance and Risk Management (15%)

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefit programs, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and FMLA.
• Coordinate with legal counsel and external consultants to interpret and address regulatory requirements and mitigate compliance risks.
• Implement and maintain processes for accurate record-keeping, reporting, and disclosure obligations.
• Oversees workers compensation program.

Communication and Education (10%)

• Develop and deliver comprehensive communication strategies to educate employees about available benefits, enrollment procedures, and changes in plan offerings.
• Conduct regular employee surveys and feedback sessions to assess satisfaction with benefit programs and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide guidance and support to HR partners, and managers regarding benefits-related inquiries and employee concerns.

Leadership and Team Management (10%)

• Lead the benefits team, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Benefits department.
• Cultivate relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to promote alignment and integration of benefit programs with broader HR initiatives.
• Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, division and department priorities, and how their work contributes to our mission, ensuring that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging – supporting Save the Children values.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with at least seven years of relevant experience in benefits administration and three years in a leadership role.
• Experience in developing and implementing benefits strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Ability to connect and work closely with benefits vendors and brokers.
• Expert knowledge of benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Strong leave administration and accommodation experience including Family and Medical Leave, State Paid leave, Workers Compensation Leave, and Short and Long Term Disability.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data,