Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness (Immediate Opening)

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 an accurate view of market competitiveness, program impact on recruitment and retention, and maximizing return on investments. This role partners internally and externally to promote equity across regions and states while driving potential cost-savings or minimizing increases in medical plans over time. The Managing Director also develops and 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: Serves as the in-house expert on medical and supplemental benefits, retirement programs, and compliance issues; communicates policies and legal guidelines related to staff benefits throughout the organization.
• Stakeholder and Team Collaboration: Collaborates 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: Oversees healthcare and wellness budgets, reviews and audits reports, and manages team performance through delegation, coaching, and motivation.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Guides the development and evaluation of wellness programs and other initiatives to support staff retention and control insurance costs.
• Partnership Management: Manages and evaluates partnerships with third parties and ensures high standards in the Administration team’s performance.
• Additional Duties: Prepares for new regions and/or strategic needs as required by context; provides perspectives on organizational initiatives outside specific area of management; performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

• Build a Culture of Trust: Analyzes complex data sets, predicts trends, and makes decisions aligning with organizational strategic goals; guides teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Communicate Deliberately: Ensures clear and effective communication across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Grow Self And Others: Fosters professional development and growth within teams.
• Make Sound Decisions: Uses data-driven insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Manage Work And Teams: Delegates tasks, coaches team members, and motivates performance.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experienced with Employee Information Systems, Enrollment Platforms, and other benefits databases; strong Excel skills.
• RFP Evaluation: Ability to understand, evaluate, and make judgments on proposals (RFPs).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of federal and state regulations, filing, and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including 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 Certifications: CBP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CEBS professional designations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods 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) retirement plan
• Performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment
• Potential relocation stipend to defray moving costs, 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.