Director, Benefits | Hybrid NY

Description and Requirements

The Director, Benefits will develop and implement strategic goals for the oversight and management of the organization's benefit and retirement plans, programs, and policies. This includes health insurance coverage, 401(k) plans, paid time off, leave of absence, life insurance, disability protection, employee wellbeing programs, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), employee recognition, and discounted voluntary benefits. This role requires conducting research and analysis to align benefit programs with organizational objectives and recommending operational plans that reduce costs while improving program delivery. The Director will also manage general benefits administration, including Open Enrollment.

Scope of Responsibilities:

Strategic Direction

• Lead the design and delivery of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, market practices, and employee needs
• Direct the strategy and administration of employee benefits, recognition, and retirement programs
• Ensure strategic alignment of benefits with organizational goals and compliance with legal requirements
• Monitor industry and regulatory trends; provide insights and recommendations to inform benefit reviews and renewals; use data and insights to shape strategy, evaluate vendors
• Act as a fiduciary leader, in partnership with the Benefits and Retirement Committee

• Oversee and manage health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, SERP, and disability programs
• Conduct research and analysis of benefit programs, monitoring vendor performance and auditing practices
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts
• Manage and work with broker and vendor partners

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and program delivery improvement
• Monitor costs and utilization, recommend cost containment strategies, and engage with Finance to ensure accurate accounting, accruals, and funding

• Communicate all benefit related information to employees and prepare regular and ad hoc reports for stakeholders
• Collaborate with HR Communications to enhance communication strategies

• Direct the preparation of filings to meet governmental rules and regulations
• Ensure programs comply with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other pertinent regulations, and oversee internal audit requirements

• Coach and develop a high performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement and employee experience
• Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance expertise in benefits design and analysis

• Lead annual benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, and employee communications
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts

• Use analytics to provide insights on utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategy and decision making
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and committees on benefit budgets, forecasts, and trend analyses

• Partner with IT, HRIS, Payroll, and external vendors to optimize systems and ensure data integrity
• Advance a holistic wellbeing strategy that encompasses mental, physical, and financial health
• Leverage HR technology, particularly Workday, to drive automation and optimize workflows
• Support system testing, upgrades, and troubleshooting to ensure stability and compliance
• Ensure data accuracy and improve employee experience through system enhancements and digital tools

• Ability to work in the office at 100 Church Street three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex subject matter clearly and persuasively
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build relationships at multiple organizational levels
• Demonstrated strategic, analytical, and detail-oriented mindset
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is preferred
• Experience using Workday is a plus