Director, Benefits & Retirement Programs

Presbyterian Healthcare Services

2d•Remote

About The Position

Presbyterian Healthcare Services seeks a strategic, analytical, and service-oriented Director, Benefits & Retirement Programs to lead enterprise benefits strategy and administration. The role supports workforce attraction, retention, engagement, and well-being across clinical, operational, and corporate functions. The Director oversees health and welfare benefits, retirement and pension programs, leave and income protection programs, wellness initiatives, and family support benefits, while ensuring regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, and a positive employee experience. The Director advises Human Resources leadership and executive stakeholders, using market intelligence, workforce analytics, vendor partnerships, and benefits innovation to deliver competitive and sustainable programs. The position oversees benefits strategy and plan design, retirement and pension administration, vendor and contract management, cost management, compliance, employee communications, technology and process improvement, and development of the benefits team. The Director also provides executive reporting and strategic recommendations, supports broader human capital initiatives, and oversees FMLA, ADA, disability, leave administration, and return-to-work programs. The role may be remote for applicants in the United States, excluding Illinois, North Dakota, New York, Washington, and Wyoming. Hybrid work is strongly preferred for individuals within 60 miles of Albuquerque, with in-office presence required Tuesday through Thursday. The company describes itself as a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with nine hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. It has approximately 11,000 employees.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
At least 8 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, retirement programs, total rewards, or related Human Resources functions.
Demonstrated expertise in health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and regulatory compliance.
Experience managing vendor relationships, benefits consultants, and insurance carriers.
Experience analyzing benefits cost trends, plan utilization, and financial performance.
Experience leading teams and developing HR professionals.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline.
Healthcare industry experience.
Experience managing pension plans and actuarial relationships.
Experience with self-funded health plans.
Experience leading enterprise-wide benefits strategies within a large, complex organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy supporting workforce attraction, retention, engagement, and well-being.
Evaluate market trends, workforce demographics, and organizational needs to recommend benefits program enhancements.
Lead the design and administration of medical, dental, vision, wellness, retirement and pension, paid time off, leave, income protection, family support, and work-life programs.
Ensure benefit offerings remain competitive in healthcare and broader labor markets.
Oversee retirement, pension, and deferred compensation programs; partner with actuaries and consultants on pension liability calculations and funding requirements.
Support pension audits and actuarial valuations, monitor plan performance and regulatory compliance, and recommend plan enhancements.
Negotiate and manage relationships with benefits vendors, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators; monitor performance and service levels.
Analyze benefit utilization, participation, claims activity, and market trends; recommend plan design, funding, and cost-sharing strategies.
Support benefits budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning while stewarding organizational resources.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements governing employee benefit plans.
Oversee preparation and filing of ERISA plan documentation, Form 5500 filings, Summary Plan Descriptions, Summary Annual Reports, retirement plan compliance documentation, and required Board actions and amendments.
Ensure compliance testing and audits are completed accurately and on time, and maintain readiness for regulatory reviews and audits.
Develop benefit communication strategies, education programs, enrollment communications, retirement planning resources, benefit statements, informational sessions, and financial wellness programs.
Improve employee experience through clear communication and responsive support services.
Lead continuous improvement of benefits systems, processes, and workflows; identify opportunities for automation, better reporting, and operational efficiency.
Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and Technology teams to optimize benefits administration platforms and use data and analytics to improve decisions and service delivery.
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing benefits team; establish performance standards and accountability measures; foster customer service, continuous improvement, and innovation; and build team capability and succession plans.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Vice President of Human Resources on benefits strategy and workforce trends.
Support broader human capital initiatives and organizational objectives, participate in enterprise planning and HR leadership initiatives, and provide executive-level reporting and recommendations.
Oversee FMLA, ADA, short-term and long-term disability, leave administration, and return-to-work programs.
Partner with Employee Health, Payroll, HR, Legal, and operational leaders on leave matters; manage third-party leave and disability vendors; ensure regulatory compliance and a positive employee experience.