Director of Benefits

Meritus Health External•Hagerstown, MD

About The Position

At Meritus, our commitment to caring extends beyond our patients and community—it includes our team members and their families. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Benefits to lead the development and administration of our comprehensive benefits programs and help shape the future of employee wellbeing across our organization. As a key member of the Human Resources leadership team, you will oversee the strategy, design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and other employee benefits. You will work closely with executive leadership, vendors, and HR partners to ensure our programs support employee engagement, organizational goals, and a best-in-class employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field
8+ years of progressive benefits leadership experience, including oversight of large-scale employee benefit programs
Demonstrated experience managing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and leave administration
Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other benefits-related regulations
Experience leading vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and benefits strategy

Nice To Haves

Healthcare, hospital, or health system experience preferred
Master's degree in a related field
Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar credentials

Responsibilities

Lead Benefits Strategy & Program Design: Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports employee wellbeing, retention, and organizational growth. Design and manage health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and leave programs. Evaluate market trends and benchmark programs to ensure competitiveness and value. Identify opportunities to enhance employee experience while managing costs and maximizing return on investment.
Drive Employee Wellbeing: Build and advance a holistic wellbeing strategy focused on physical, emotional, financial, and social health. Partner with internal stakeholders to promote benefits utilization and employee engagement. Lead benefits education and communication initiatives to ensure employees understand and appreciate available resources.
Manage Vendor Relationships & Benefits Operations: Oversee relationships with brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators. Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, performance management, and annual renewals. Ensure efficient administration and delivery of all benefits programs. Monitor service levels and continuously improve operational effectiveness.
Ensure Compliance & Governance: Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and related benefit laws. Partner with Legal, Compliance, Finance, and HR leaders on audits, reporting, and governance initiatives. Ensure accurate plan documentation, filings, and regulatory reporting.
Leverage Data & Analytics: Utilize HRIS systems and benefits analytics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trends. Develop executive-level reporting and recommendations to support strategic decision-making. Analyze participation, utilization, and cost data to guide future program enhancements.
Provide Leadership & Partnership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR business partners, and organizational stakeholders. Collaborate with Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Workforce Planning teams to support an integrated total rewards strategy.