Director, Benefits | Hybrid NY

HealthFirst•New York, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Benefits will develop and implement strategic goals for the oversight and management of the organization's benefit and retirement plans, programs, and policies. This includes health insurance coverage, 401(k) plans, paid time off, leave of absence, life insurance, disability protection, employee wellbeing programs, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), employee recognition, and discounted voluntary benefits. This role requires conducting research and analysis to align benefit programs with organizational objectives and recommending operational plans that reduce costs while improving program delivery. The Director will also manage general benefits administration, including Open Enrollment. Scope of Responsibilities: Strategic Direction Lead the design and delivery of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, market practices, and employee needs Direct the strategy and administration of employee benefits, recognition, and retirement programs Ensure strategic alignment of benefits with organizational goals and compliance with legal requirements Monitor industry and regulatory trends; provide insights and recommendations to inform benefit reviews and renewals; use data and insights to shape strategy, evaluate vendors Act as a fiduciary leader, in partnership with the Benefits and Retirement Committee Program Management Oversee and manage health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, SERP, and disability programs Conduct research and analysis of benefit programs, monitoring vendor performance and auditing practices Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts Manage and work with broker and vendor partners Cost Management Identify opportunities for cost reduction and program delivery improvement Monitor costs and utilization, recommend cost containment strategies, and engage with Finance to ensure accurate accounting, accruals, and funding Communication and Administration Communicate all benefit related information to employees and prepare regular and ad hoc reports for stakeholders Collaborate with HR Communications to enhance communication strategies Compliance and Governance Direct the preparation of filings to meet governmental rules and regulations Ensure programs comply with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other pertinent regulations, and oversee internal audit requirements Team Leadership and Development Coach and develop a high performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement and employee experience Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance expertise in benefits design and analysis Project Management Lead annual benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, and employee communications Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts Analytics and Insights Use analytics to provide insights on utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategy and decision making Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and committees on benefit budgets, forecasts, and trend analyses Additional Responsibilities: Partner with IT, HRIS, Payroll, and external vendors to optimize systems and ensure data integrity Advance a holistic wellbeing strategy that encompasses mental, physical, and financial health Leverage HR technology, particularly Workday, to drive automation and optimize workflows Support system testing, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure stability and compliance Ensure data accuracy and improve employee experience through system enhancements and digital tools

Requirements

Ability to work in the office at 100 Church Street three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex subject matter clearly and persuasively
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build relationships at multiple organizational levels
Demonstrated strategic, analytical, and detail-oriented mindset

Nice To Haves

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is preferred
Experience using Workday is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, market practices, and employee needs
Direct the strategy and administration of employee benefits, recognition, and retirement programs
Ensure strategic alignment of benefits with organizational goals and compliance with legal requirements
Monitor industry and regulatory trends; provide insights and recommendations to inform benefit reviews and renewals; use data and insights to shape strategy, evaluate vendors
Act as a fiduciary leader, in partnership with the Benefits and Retirement Committee
Oversee and manage health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, SERP, and disability programs
Conduct research and analysis of benefit programs, monitoring vendor performance and auditing practices
Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts
Manage and work with broker and vendor partners
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and program delivery improvement
Monitor costs and utilization, recommend cost containment strategies, and engage with Finance to ensure accurate accounting, accruals, and funding
Communicate all benefit related information to employees and prepare regular and ad hoc reports for stakeholders
Collaborate with HR Communications to enhance communication strategies
Direct the preparation of filings to meet governmental rules and regulations
Ensure programs comply with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other pertinent regulations, and oversee internal audit requirements
Coach and develop a high performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement and employee experience
Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance expertise in benefits design and analysis
Lead annual benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, and employee communications
Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts
Use analytics to provide insights on utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategy and decision making
Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and committees on benefit budgets, forecasts, and trend analyses
Partner with IT, HRIS, Payroll, and external vendors to optimize systems and ensure data integrity
Advance a holistic wellbeing strategy that encompasses mental, physical, and financial health
Leverage HR technology, particularly Workday, to drive automation and optimize workflows
Support system testing, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure stability and compliance
Ensure data accuracy and improve employee experience through system enhancements and digital tools