Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness

Mission: The Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and policies across staff benefits and wellness programs for over 10,000 employees across 4 states. This leader provides strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding benefits and wellness programs to ensure market competitiveness, impact on recruitment and retention, and maximization of return on investments. This role partners internally and externally to promote equity across regions and states while driving cost-savings or minimizing increases in medical plans over time. The Managing Director also ensures execution of programs that support the organization’s vision, mission, and long-term goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages multiple teams across benefits administration, service and engagement, and wellness programs.

Location

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations

• Travel to IDEA or external training events and team stepback retreats
• Potential in-person support for campuses and regions during busiest parts of the year

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develops and implements business strategies related to staff benefits and wellness to achieve short-term and long-term goals.
• Advisory and Communication: Provides strategic advice to senior leaders, ensuring they have an accurate view of market conditions and opportunities.
• Benefits and Compliance Expertise: Serve as the in-house expert on medical and supplemental benefits, retirement programs, and compliance issues; communicate policies and legal guidelines related to staff benefits throughout the organization.
• Stakeholder and Team Collaboration: Collaborate with regional Executive Directors, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders to address needs, support recruitment and retention, and ensure effective communication and trust.
• Budget and Performance Management: Oversee healthcare and wellness budgets, review and audit reports, and manage team performance through delegation, coaching, and motivation.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Guide the development and evaluation of wellness programs and other initiatives to support staff retention and control insurance costs.
• Partnership Management: Manage and evaluate partnerships with third parties and ensure high standards in the Administration team’s performance.
• Prepare for any new regions and/or strategic needs as required by organizational context.
• Provide perspectives on organizational initiatives outside specific area of management.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

• Build a Culture of Trust: Analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization’s strategic goals. Guide teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Communicate Deliberately: Effectively communicate strategic decisions and insights across multiple teams.
• Grow Self and Others: Foster professional development and growth within teams.
• Make Sound Decisions: Utilize data-driven insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Manage Work and Teams: Oversee team performance, delegation, coaching, and motivation.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with Microsoft products, including PowerPoint.
• Experience with Employee Information Systems, Enrollment Platforms, and other benefits databases.
• Strong Excel knowledge and skills.
• Ability to understand, evaluate, and make judgments on proposals (RFPs).
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations, filing, and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of five years of strategic benefits management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification: CBP, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, and CEBS professional designations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without leaving the work area.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 15 pounds (occasionally).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Parenting benefits
• Flexible spending account options
• Generous vacation time
• Referral bonuses
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) plan
• Relocation stipend (if applicable)

Pay

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $119,000 and $142,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.