Director Benefits and Employee Well-Being

University of Richmond

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

To be considered for the position: Submit a resume and cover letter SUMMARY: Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Benefits and Employee Well-Being provides strategic and operational leadership for the University’s employee benefits, absence, and employee well-being programs. The Director plans, designs, and evaluates benefit and absence programs, ensuring that practices are thoughtfully considered and consistently applied in alignment with the University’s mission, vision, and operational needs. Benefit and Well-Being Strategy Provides strategic leadership for the University’s comprehensive benefits, absence, and well-being programs, including health and welfare, retirement, and employee wellness initiatives. Evaluates and recommends program design enhancements to ensure alignment with institutional objectives, workforce needs, and long-term financial sustainability. Reviews market data and peer practices to assess external competitiveness and inform program positioning. Analyzes program costs, utilization, participation, and workforce trends to guide planning and decision-making. Advises senior leadership on program performance, financial risk, regulatory developments, and emerging trends. Explores and evaluates innovative approaches to employee well-being, collaborating with Health Promotion as well as other internal and external stakeholders to deliver meaningful and mission-aligned offerings. Benefits Program Management Leads the annual benefits strategy and operational cycle, including planning, vendor negotiations, renewals, and open enrollment. Oversee benefits and absence administration within Workday, continuously evaluating business processes, and identifying opportunities for automation, optimization, and improved employee experience. Manages relationships with benefit consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure service quality, compliance, and alignment with University goals. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA) and University benefit and absence policies. Oversees planning and execution of employee well-being and recognition initiatives, including Service Awards, Retirement Celebrations, Dunlora Retiree Society, and campus-wide wellness events. Consultation and Partnership Serves as a subject matter expert and resource to HR colleagues, managers, and employees on benefits, absence, and employee well-being programs. Guides the interpretation of plans, the application of policy, and complex or escalated employee matters. Leads the development and delivery of clear, accessible benefits and absence communications and educational programming. Partners closely with the Office of Planning and Budget to support financial modeling, forecasting, and sustainability of benefit programs. Leadership Leads, develops, and mentors team members, establishing clear performance expectations and fostering professional growth. Serves on, and may chair, University committees related to benefits, employee well-being, and institutional planning. Ensures programs operate within approved financial parameters and demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship. Promotes alignment and collaboration across Human Resources to maintain consistent service delivery and shared understanding. Guides the team through evolving ways of working, including the responsible and ethical use of AI-enabled and emerging technologies.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefits design and administration, including health and welfare, retirement, leave, and employee well-being programs, along with applicable federal and state regulations.
Strong strategic and analytical capability to evaluate market trends, workforce demographics, utilization patterns, and financial impacts to inform sustainable program design.
Demonstrated financial acumen, including evaluating funding strategies, managing budgets, modeling cost implications, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Proficiency in HRIS platforms; Workday experience strongly preferred.
Ability to assess and improve business processes through system optimization, automation, data insights, and responsible application of emerging technologies.
Demonstrated project management skills, including leading complex renewal cycles and managing multiple concurrent priorities.
Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and campus stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex benefits information into clear, accessible messaging.
Demonstrated leadership capability, including developing team members and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience required.
7+ years of direct benefits experience required.
2+ years of supervisory or managerial experience required.
Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive benefits programs is required.
Experience working with HRIS platforms required; Workday experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
Workday experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership for the University’s employee benefits, absence, and employee well-being programs.
Plans, designs, and evaluates benefit and absence programs.
Evaluates and recommends program design enhancements to ensure alignment with institutional objectives, workforce needs, and long-term financial sustainability.
Reviews market data and peer practices to assess external competitiveness and inform program positioning.
Analyzes program costs, utilization, participation, and workforce trends to guide planning and decision-making.
Advises senior leadership on program performance, financial risk, regulatory developments, and emerging trends.
Explores and evaluates innovative approaches to employee well-being.
Leads the annual benefits strategy and operational cycle, including planning, vendor negotiations, renewals, and open enrollment.
Oversee benefits and absence administration within Workday.
Manages relationships with benefit consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA) and University benefit and absence policies.
Oversees planning and execution of employee well-being and recognition initiatives.
Serves as a subject matter expert and resource to HR colleagues, managers, and employees on benefits, absence, and employee well-being programs.
Guides the interpretation of plans, the application of policy, and complex or escalated employee matters.
Leads the development and delivery of clear, accessible benefits and absence communications and educational programming.
Partners closely with the Office of Planning and Budget to support financial modeling, forecasting, and sustainability of benefit programs.
Leads, develops, and mentors team members, establishing clear performance expectations and fostering professional growth.
Serves on, and may chair, University committees related to benefits, employee well-being, and institutional planning.
Ensures programs operate within approved financial parameters and demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship.
Promotes alignment and collaboration across Human Resources to maintain consistent service delivery and shared understanding.
Guides the team through evolving ways of working, including the responsible and ethical use of AI-enabled and emerging technologies.