Director, Benefits

About the Role:

We are seeking a forward-thinking Director, Benefits to redefine and lead our comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, this pivotal role will drive the evolution of our offerings through continuous innovation, deep market insights, and AI-enabled technology. You will be responsible for the strategic direction, design, and governance of our entire portfolio, encompassing health, welfare, retirement, and holistic wellbeing programs. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who balances long-term vision with operational excellence, utilizing data analytics to build modern, highly engaging associate experiences.

Your Day to Day Strategic Leadership & Innovation:

• Define and execute a multi-year benefits and wellbeing strategy that aligns with our Total Rewards philosophy and broader business objectives.
• Proactively leverage market insights, data analytics, and AI tools to drive innovation in program design, ensuring our offerings remain highly competitive and meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

Data-Driven Program Design & Management:

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all benefit programs with a central focus on associate wellbeing.
• Utilize data-driven insights to curate physical, mental, and financial wellbeing initiatives that foster a healthy, engaged, and productive workplace culture.

Vendor & Financial Oversight:

• Oversee benefits vendor strategy, including selection, contract negotiation, and performance management to maximize service quality, innovation, and value.
• Manage the benefits budget, conduct annual renewals, and provide financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership:

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement, agility, and operational excellence.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while partnering seamlessly with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure compliant, efficient program delivery.

Communication & Engagement:

• Architect a comprehensive, modernized communication strategy that leverages new technologies and AI to ensure associates understand and appreciate the full value of their benefits.
• Champion initiatives that drive engagement and utilization, creating a world-class, personalized benefits and wellbeing experience.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties.

We’re Looking for:

• Strong financial acumen with demonstrable experience leveraging data analytics, market insights, and AI to drive business decisions, optimize costs, and improve program outcomes.
• Proven success designing and managing innovative, competitive benefits and wellbeing programs in a complex organization.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Deep expertise in benefits laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, SECURE Act).
• Required or desired certifications include Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or similar licensures.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, wellbeing strategy, and Total Rewards, with at least 5 years in a significant leadership role.
• #LI-HYBRID
• Minimum Education Requirements: High school degree or equivalent required unless otherwise noted above.
• Location: Boston
• Time Type: Full time
• Salary Range: $189,360.00 - $231,440.00
• Variable pay eligibility

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Suite of well-being benefits

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

WHY Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA?

We understand that the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can prevent amazing candidates coming our way. We’d love to hear from you. You might be just what we need for this role or possibly another one at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be brilliant. We encourage you to bring us your true colors, , your perspectives, and your experiences. It’s in our differences that we will remain relentless in our pursuit to transform healthcare for ALL. As an employer, we are committed to investing in your development and providing the necessary resources to enable your success. Learn how we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and rewarding workplace that promotes excellence and provides opportunities for employees to forge their unique career path by visiting our Company Culture page. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you. You can also join our Talent Community to stay "in the know" on all things Blue.

Work/Life Balance & Culture:

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, we believe in wellness and that work/life balance is a key part of associate wellbeing. For more information on how we work and support that work/life balance visit our "How We Work" Page.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts:

Voted as the highest in member satisfaction among Massachusetts commercial health plans by JD Power, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We have been a market leader for over 75 years, and are consistently ranked among the nation's best health plans. Our daily efforts are dedicated to effectively serving our 2.8 million members, and consistently offering security, stability, and peace of mind to both our members and associates.

Commitment to You:

We are committed to investing in your development and providing the necessary resources to enable your success. We are dedicated to creating a refreshing and rewarding workplace that promotes excellence and provides opportunities for employees to forge their unique career path. We take pride in our diverse, community-centric, wellness-focused culture and believe every member of our team deserves to enjoy a positive work-life balance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Employer - veterans/disability.

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts's legal duty to furnish information.