Benefits Director

Stride Learning•Reston, VA

1d•$113,480 - $155,000•Remote

About The Position

SUMMARY : The Director, Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive employee benefits programs that align with organizational goals and enhance employee well-being. This hands-on role requires both strategic vision and operational expertise to oversee health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave policies, and wellness initiatives, ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and competitive positioning in the marketplace. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Develop and execute forward-thinking benefits strategies encompassing health, welfare, retirement, wellness, and leave programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry benchmarks. Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance the employee experience through innovative benefits offerings. Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the annual Open Enrollment process, including renewal strategy, employee communications, and educational materials. Build and manage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors to optimize service levels, cost efficiency, and program effectiveness. Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on benefit programs. Collaborate with Finance to forecast and manage benefit budgets. Analyze cost trends and recommend plan design changes to optimize value and control expenses. Develop clear communication strategies to educate employees on benefits offerings. Serve as a resource for escalated employee inquiries and complex case resolution. Lead and mentor a team of benefits professionals. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence. Oversee and ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard personnel data, maintain continuity of operations, and maintain data accuracy and integrity Maintain knowledge of HR requirements and regulations affecting human resources functions and ensures policies, procedures and reporting are in compliance Ensures plans are compliant with local, state and federal regulations, including timely and accurate completion of all required government filings, and distribution of required participant plan disclosures. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position leads a team of up to 1-5 regular employees, interns and/or contractors. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

Ten (10) years of progressive experience in benefits administration with five (5) years of people management experience.
Deep knowledge of compensation analysis and benefits structures, and benefit regulations, including health care reform (Affordable Care Act – ACA), HIPAA, Workers Compensation, ERISA, etc.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to organize and lead a project to completion
Effective problem-solving, decision making and critical thinking skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate sensitive and confidential matters effectively
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Proven success managing benefits strategies for an employee population of over 8,000 employees
Focus on customer satisfaction
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio; Intermediate to advanced Excel user.
Experience with benefit module(s) of HRIS applications such as Workday, Ultimate Software, Oracle, etc.
Web proficiency
Ability to clear required background check

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in human resources or related field
Attainment or pursuit of Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)

Responsibilities

Develop and execute forward-thinking benefits strategies encompassing health, welfare, retirement, wellness, and leave programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry benchmarks.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance the employee experience through innovative benefits offerings.
Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the annual Open Enrollment process, including renewal strategy, employee communications, and educational materials.
Build and manage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors to optimize service levels, cost efficiency, and program effectiveness.
Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on benefit programs.
Collaborate with Finance to forecast and manage benefit budgets.
Analyze cost trends and recommend plan design changes to optimize value and control expenses.
Develop clear communication strategies to educate employees on benefits offerings.
Serve as a resource for escalated employee inquiries and complex case resolution.
Lead and mentor a team of benefits professionals.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
Oversee and ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard personnel data, maintain continuity of operations, and maintain data accuracy and integrity
Maintain knowledge of HR requirements and regulations affecting human resources functions and ensures policies, procedures and reporting are in compliance
Ensures plans are compliant with local, state and federal regulations, including timely and accurate completion of all required government filings, and distribution of required participant plan disclosures.