Director Health Benefits

Alaska Airlines • SeaTac, WA

2d • $172,550 - $267,450 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Health Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for setting the vision, direction, and execution of enterprise-wide global health benefits programs. This role leads a team of people leaders across multiple disciplines and partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure programs are equitable, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals.

Requirements

• 8 years of experience in health benefits, or related HR functions.
• 5 years of leadership experience, with at least 2 of those years directly leading people.
• Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
• Deep knowledge of health benefits regulations (ACA, HIPAA, ERISA) and workers’ compensation laws.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex budgets, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience designing and managing large-scale benefits programs and vendor relationships.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, influence at all levels, and drive strategic transformation.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and balancing long-term strategy with short-term execution.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set long-term strategy for global health benefits with a 12+ month horizon, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and workforce needs.
• Drive program evolution by identifying opportunities for cost containment, operational efficiency, and improved employee experience through data driven insights and strategic vendor partnerships.
• Demonstrate courageous leadership by engaging in difficult conversations, challenging the status quo, and making timely, effective decisions that advance program goals and organizational priorities.
• Influence within own area and provide strategic recommendations to enterprise leaders on program design, vendor partnerships, and compliance.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of health benefits programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and proactively manage risk and cost containment strategies.
• Develop and manage budgets across multiple disciplines, including vendor contracts, program costs, and administrative expenses.
• Partners closely with the Director Leaves, Accommodations and Disability to ensure programs are efficient and effective.
• Partner with Legal, Risk, Finance, and other HR functions to ensure integrated and compliant program delivery.
• Keep up to date with changing regulations to ensure compliance and program design.
• Understand risks and program elements in order to successfully complete annual audits ensuring accuracy, financial risks and compliance.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising employee experience.
• Establish frameworks and processes that enable scalability, efficiency, and innovation.
• Direct strategic initiatives and lead change management efforts to ensure successful adoption and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to drive enterprise-wide initiatives and foster collaboration.
• Develop people through effective performance management and ongoing feedback.
• Foster strategic and systems thinking, talent development, and succession planning across teams and disciplines.
• Shape the culture of the team through action, presence, and reinforcement of inclusive and high-performance behaviors.

Benefits

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air with high priority status
• Select number of confirmed travel credits provided annually
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director