Director of Strategic Initiatives, Employee Benefits

Dir Strategic Initiatives - NS06AE

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.   

         

Director, Strategic Initiatives, Employee Benefits

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director to join our Employee Benefits Strategy team, playing a pivotal role in driving growth and advancing our most critical strategic initiatives. As part of a collaborative, forward-thinking group, this position will partner closely with business unit and cross-functional leaders to shape the future direction of Employee Benefits. The successful candidate will lead strategic planning, execution, and governance processes and ensure our initiatives are tightly aligned with long-term business growth objectives, dynamic market trends, and, most importantly, the evolving needs of our customers. This role is based in our Hartford, CT Home Office on a hybrid basis, in the office Tuesday-Thursday.
 

About the Employee Benefits Strategy Team:
The Employee Benefits Strategy team is dedicated to shaping the future of our business by driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. We focus on identifying and executing strategic initiatives that position Employee Benefits as a market leader, always with a focus on the evolving needs of our customers and the opportunities presented by a dynamic industry landscape.
 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation and strategic planning of Employee Benefits initiatives, fostering the development of innovative ideas through collaboration and shaping multi-year growth strategies.

• Drive the preparation and delivery of executive-level strategy materials for the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and key leadership forums.

•  Partner with business unit and strategy leaders to identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact projects that advance the Employee Benefits growth goals.

• Facilitate and support Employee Benefits leadership sessions, collaborating with business unit leaders to shape agendas, prepare materials, and ensure strategic alignment.

• Oversee strategic planning processes, ensuring all initiatives are aligned with long-term business goals, market dynamics, and customer expectations.

• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to inform strategy and drive innovation.

• Develop business cases, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership to support decision-making and resource allocation.

• Track progress against key milestones, ensuring accountability and measurable results.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement within the Employee Benefits Strategy team.
   

Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience in a management consulting or a strategy role at an insurance carrier. Insurance experience is required, employee benefits experience strongly preferred.

• Proven success leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and delivering measurable business results; demonstrated business and financial acumen.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and trends, craft compelling narratives, and tailor messaging to executive and board-level audiences.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex ideas for diverse audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders.

• Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives alignment, and influences across all levels of the organization.

• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset, business acumen, and a passion for innovation.

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving progress in dynamic environments.

• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with a bias for action.

• Committed to customer-centricity and delivering value to both internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrates curiosity, continuous learning, and openness to new perspectives.

• Expertise in strategic planning, project management, and change management.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies req