Director, Benefits

Acadia Pharmaceuticals•San Diego, CA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office on average three days per week. Position Summary: In this role, you'll lead the strategy, design, governance, and execution of Acadia’s U.S., Canada, and select global benefits, leave, retirement, wellness, and relocation programs. The role plays a key part in ensuring that all programs are competitive, compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with Acadia’s talent and culture strategy, while delivering a high-quality employee experience. You'll partners closely with People Business Partners (“PBPs”), HRIS, Payroll, Legal, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and external vendors to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the employee lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 10 years of progressive benefits experience, including 5–6 years in a leadership or management capacity
Strong experience administering and governing: Health & welfare programs, 401(k) and/or retirement plans, Leaves of absence and disability programs, ACA and government reporting requirements
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise HR systems

Nice To Haves

Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or high‑growth technology environments
International and multi‑country benefits experience
Deep knowledge of California and multi‑state leave regulations
Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leaders and navigate complex employee relations issues

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic design, evaluation, and evolution of U.S. and Canada health & welfare, retirement, wellness, leave, and relocation programs to support talent attraction, retention, and engagement
Ensure benefit offerings remain competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with company values and business priorities
Contribute to the long‑term People & Performance roadmap, including systems, vendor strategy, and program scalability
Oversee day‑to‑day administration and vendor management for: Health and welfare plans, 401(k) and Canada RRSP plans, Leaves of absence and disability programs, COBRA administration, Wellness initiatives and funding, Relocation program administration
Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility management, premium deductions, vendor billings, and reconciliations
Own and optimize the Benefits Enrollment via HRIS, ensuring data integrity, testing, reporting accuracy, and positive end‑user experience
Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and vendors to ensure seamless integrations across systems and processes
Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Federal, State, Local, and Canadian health, welfare, leave, and retirement regulations
Oversee timely completion of all required filings and reporting, including but not limited to: Form 5500 filings, ACA reporting, PCORI, State required filings, Required employee notices and disclosures
Maintain all plan documentation (plan documents, amendments, SPDs) and ensure ERISA and statutory compliance
Serve as a key partner to Legal on benefits‑related compliance, risk, and audit matters
Provide strategic oversight of all leave of absence programs (U.S. and Canada), ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and Acadia policy
Administer and ensure compliance with the ADA interactive process; partner with managers, People Business Partners, Legal, and leadership on accommodation decisions
Oversee the Acadia Parental Leave Pay (PLP) program, including employee guidance, payroll coordination, and payment accuracy
Serve as a subject‑matter expert for escalated employee, manager, and PBP inquiries related to benefits, leaves, and accommodations
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to design and implement wellness and well‑being programs that support physical, mental, and financial health
Manage the annual Cigna Wellness Fund, including budgeting, governance, and utilization reporting
Collaborate with Finance and vendors on cost tracking, trend analysis, and long‑term benefit cost projections
Lead the development of clear, engaging, and compliant employee communications related to benefits, open enrollment, and program changes
Partner with vendors and the Engagement Team to deliver multi‑channel communications and education
Oversee benefits content in new hire orientation, benefits websites, and internal communication platforms
Oversees the strategic design, development, and implementation of U.S and Global health and welfare plan program and modification, as necessary, to ensure benefit plans are competitive, compliant, and meet service level standards