Senior Director, Global Benefits

About the role

The Senior Director, Global Benefits will be responsible for the strategic design, operational excellence, and holistic governance of all benefits and perquisites for The New York Times on a global scale. Reporting to the SVP, Total Rewards, this leader will architect a robust benefits strategy that attracts, engages, and retains top talent and ensures fiscal sustainability. This role is also responsible for leading the Benefits operations function to deliver a superior employee experience through resource optimization and cost-efficient best practices. Beyond design and administration, the incumbent will partner with Corporate Communications and Culture to drive an engaging communications strategy, ensuring our diverse and complex population understands the full value of their benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global benefits strategy that aligns with our goals, ensuring equity and relevance in local markets across the US and internationally.
• Oversee the design and execution of all benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, comprehensive, and compliant with local, federal, and international regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, GDPR).
• Lead the Global Benefits Operations department, overseeing a team of benefits administrators to deliver a high-quality employee experience.
• Be the primary benefits subject matter expert for the Labor Relations team, providing strategic modeling and direct support during collective bargaining negotiations regarding welfare and retirement provisions.
• Sources technologies and administrative best practices, while managing operational costs to increase efficiency and fiscal discipline.
• Monitor market trends, benchmarks and best practices to lead innovation in plan design, ensuring The New York Times remains relevant with market peers.
• Oversee relationships with third-party vendors, carriers, and consultants to ensure high service levels, compliance, and return on investment.
• Collaborate with Legal counsel to review plan documents and summary plan descriptions, ensuring all programs meet legal requirements and minimize liability.
• Ensure that benefit plans for unionized employees are administered following collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in benefits design and administration, and leadership experience managing Global Benefits.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce and supporting labor negotiations.
• Expertise in US regulations (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA) and a working knowledge of international social security systems and statutory requirements.
• Experience translating complex benefits concepts into clear, accessible language for executive partners and employees.
• Experience interpreting complex data, managing substantial budgets, and driving cost-containment strategies.