Director Benefits

Profile

What You Will Do:
General Summary
Under guidance of the VP of Total Rewards, designs the planning and administration of comprehensive and competitive Health & Welfare and Retirement programs that support the objective of achieving competitive advantage in the market from both a financial and people perspective across the UMMS system. Plans, develops and implements new and revised programs, policies, procedures. Assures through thorough audits, reports and personal contact that company programs are consistently administered in compliance with company policies and government regulations.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Ensures that a competitive benefits package is maintained for the organization. Assists the VP of Total Rewards in determining the strategic direction the organization's benefits programs. Programs include (but are not limited to health, dental, vision, pharmacy benefits, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, Voluntary benefit programs, Disability and Leave programs, retirement and pension savings plans).

a. Monitors competitive trends in benefit plans. Researches and recommends plan design changes to benefits. Participates in benefit surveys.

b. Evaluates proposals, recommends vendors and negotiates contracts, and implements programs in accordance with laws and regulations governing employee benefits.

c. Manages the overall relationship with vendors, claims processors, legal counsel, investment advisers, record keepers, and external auditors for all Benefit Plans across the System.

d. Designs, develops and implements cost-effective and customer-responsive administration systems for employee benefit plans. Introduces automated solutions that increase productivity.

e. Coordinates and works closely with consultants to promote effectiveness, efficiency, and financial stability for benefit programs.

f. Directs the training of Management and team members to promote comprehension of the benefits package. Assures that the team will deliver consistent and high quality service to employees. Oversee the design and implementation of employee communications including: periodic benefits updates, plan documents including Summary Plan Descriptions, new hire materials and enrollment materials.

g. Reviews and approves the bi-weekly funding for Retirement Plans and Claims processing.

h. Ensures benefit plan compliance with federal, state and local statues and regulations. Directs the annual compliance testing processes by collecting pertinent data from each member within the UMMS controlled group, compiling and reconciling that data, and coordinating with the compliance testing vendors. Coordinates annual 5500 filings. Develops/updates UMMS benefit polices and procedures to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and UMMS procedures.

i. Directs regular, periodic self-audits and vendor audits of benefit plan activity to ensure accuracy of plan practices. Works with other internal departments, such as HRIS, IT, and Payroll to make necessary systematic adjustments in an effort to mitigate any inaccuracies found through the self-audit process. Uses this practice to self-correct any errors, and to reconcile annual contributions in preparation for the annual independent audits and accompanying compliance testing.

2. Resolves complex employee benefit plan issues referred by benefits team members.

3. Coordinates with the VP of Total Rewards in developing content, topics and materials for monthly UMMS Employee Compensation and Benefits Workgroup meetings; participates in periodic UMMS Employee Compensation and Benefit Committee and/or Health Plan Steering Committee meetings.

4. Manages the process of retirement fund changes, once recommended to and approved, including adhering to timely employee communication requirements, and coordinating with the recordkeeping and trust vendors.

5. Oversees and coordinates vesting/taxation practices under the Executive 457(f) Plan, coordinating with external recordkeeper and trustee, as well as with our internal Payroll Department, to ensure timely and accurate tax withholding and reporting on behalf of vested plan participants.

6. Responsible for department operating budget.

7. Oversees the hiring, oriention, training of staff. Provides leadership and technical guidance to staff. Develops standards of performance, approves staff performance evalutions and recommendations for personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions and disciplinary actions.

8. Keeps apprised of federal, state, and local laws and regulations and ensures that all compensation programs are compliant with regulations including ERISA, COBRA, FLSA, ADA and wage and hour laws.
What You Need to Be Successful:
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources or related field required
Eight (8) years minimum of experience in leading benefit initiatives and managing/administering programs, leading and training staff is required. Healthcare experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of program design and administration including governance guidelines, compliance and reporting requirements required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Detailed knowledge of government laws and regulations as they apply to all benefit programs.
Demonstrated experience in implementing and analyzing benefit programs for all levels in an organization including executive, professional, specialty, exempt and non-exempt.
Demonstrated high level analytical and problem-solving skills and business acumen.
Demonstrated strong skills in word processing and spreadsheet analysis, as well as HRIS are required. Knowledge of Lawson is preferred.
Demonstrated strong skills in highly effective written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; these are required to work successfully with various levels of administrative and management personnel including senior executives.
Demonstrated effectiveness in new program design, customer service and project management.
Ability to develop and manage vendor relationships.
Attends and participates in various internal and external educational programs and professional activities to keep abreast of new developments and improve technical expertise in Benefits, the Human Resources field, in general, and various health care-related issues.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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