Director - Benefits

Maine Health•Portland, ME

61d

About The Position

Join MaineHealth, a trusted leader in integrated healthcare, where stability meets innovation and a commitment to excellence drives every decision. As the Director of Benefits, you'll lead the design and execution of a comprehensive benefits strategy that impacts over 20,000 of employees across our expansive system, ensuring their physical, mental, and financial well-being while fostering a culture of engagement, retention, and organizational excellence. We're seeking a seasoned professional with extensive vendor management experience and a proven track record of success in a self-insured environment. This role offers the opportunity to leverage your expertise to optimize benefits programs, build strong partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes for our employees and their families. This is more than a role-it's an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare benefits in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. With MaineHealth's commitment to professional development, you'll have the resources and support to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our team members and the communities we serve. Be part of a system that values your expertise, fosters your growth, and offers the stability to build a lasting legacy. The Director of Benefits is responsible for the strategic direction, design, implementation, communication, and administration of the organization's comprehensive employee benefits programs. These include health and welfare plans, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave of absence programs, and other ancillary benefits. The Director ensures that benefit offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization's business objectives and total rewards philosophy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
8+ years of progressive experience in benefits management, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Deep knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and best practices.
Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage large-scale benefits programs.
Strong analytical, project management, and vendor negotiation skills.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities.
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., CEBS, SPHR) preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the overall benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market competitiveness.
Oversee the day-to-day administration of all benefit plans including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts, renewals, and pricing to ensure high-quality service and cost efficiency.
Lead annual benefits open enrollment and related communication strategies.
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and IRS guidelines.
Monitor industry trends, conduct benchmarking, and recommend innovative benefit solutions.
Partner with finance on benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
Manage and mentor a team of benefits professionals, providing coaching and development opportunities.
Collaborate with HR, Legal, Payroll, and IT to ensure accurate and efficient benefits administration and data integrity.
Develop and implement wellness programs that support employee well-being and productivity.
Serve as a key point of contact for escalated employee inquiries and resolve complex benefit issues.