Director, US Benefits

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

2h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, US Benefits will lead the strategy, design, governance and execution of employee benefit programs across the United States of America. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to the business and HR leadership, ensuring that benefits programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with Alnylam’s core values and business goals. The Director, US Benefits will oversee vendor partnerships, manage annual renewals and program evaluations, and provide subject matter expertise on health and welfare, retirement and well-being benefits across the Americas region.
The Director, US Benefits, will join our Global Total Rewards & HR Technology Team, and be based in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office. The role will report to the Senior Vice President, Global Total Rewards & HR Systems.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits, including leadership in multinational or regional roles.
• Deep knowledge of United States employee benefit landscape, law, and regulatory framework
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of delivering cost-efficient, high-quality programs.
• Experience scaling programs in a high-growth, fast-paced environment; life sciences or biotech industry experience strongly preferred.
• Practical experience managing employee benefit plans and programs.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification (CEBS, GBA, CBP or similar) preferred.
• Strategic Leadership & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and change management abilities with sound judgment and creativity.
• Communication & Relationship Management: Exceptional written/verbal communication, influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills; builds effective internal and external relationships.
• Project & People Management: Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage multiple complex projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience scaling programs in a high-growth, fast-paced environment; life sciences or biotech industry experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification (CEBS, GBA, CBP or similar) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional employee benefits strategies that align with global objectives while addressing local market competitiveness, compliance, and employee experience.
• Partner with Global Total Rewards leadership to harmonize policies and ensure consistent governance and reporting standards.
• Lead the design and delivery of retirement, health, well-being, and ancillary employee benefit plans and programs for the United States of America.
• Ensure employee benefit plans and programs comply with all federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA).
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, advising leadership on impacts and required actions.
• Maintain robust governance and risk management practices for all programs.
• Manage employee benefit plan vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring high service levels and cost-effective solutions.
• Lead and manage RFPs, renewals, and contract negotiations.
• Partner with Finance and People Operations to manage employee benefit plan and program budgets, forecasting, and cost optimization strategies.
• Drive effective communication and education strategies to maximize employee understanding and engagement in employee benefit offerings.
• Utilize employee feedback, market trends, and analytics to continuously improve the employee experience.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across HR and the business on employee benefit strategy and priorities.
• Collaborate with People Operations, Finance/Payroll, and IT to ensure smooth administration and automation of employee benefit processes.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match
• Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks.
• We also offer generous family resources and leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees