Director of Health Plan Operations (Full-time, hybrid)

Company Overview:

UNITE HERE Local 11 Health Benefit Fund (the “Fund”) is dedicated to providing exemplary, high-touch services & support to its members and employers in healthcare and benefits administration. The Fund takes pride in their commitment to providing excellent, affordable healthcare benefits to its members and their families while ensuring member satisfaction through a strong partnership with their employers, while ensuring operational efficiency and legal and regulatory compliance. The Fund values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), fostering a safe, collaborative workplace where everyone can thrive. If you're passionate about growth, making a meaningful impact, and driving positive change, join their mission to support the Fund and their community's well-being.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations for a growing healthcare benefits trust fund. In this role, you will lead a team responsible for overseeing the Fund’s plan administration and managing the Fund’s operations, including the functions of member and employer services & outreach, information technology, and facility and property management. You will play a pivotal role in strategic and operational planning, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, recruiting and developing key management and staff, and driving initiatives to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly ethical leader with strong business and financial acumen, exceptional organizational and people skills, a team player with the proven ability to build and grow operations and teams, and a commitment to excellence. 

What You Will Be Responsible For:

• Plan Administration: Oversee the day-to-day administration and operations of the Benefits Plan and Administrative Office, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements. Monitor performance metrics and recommend improvement solutions.
• Member Services and Employer Services & Outreach: Establish performance standards and procedures for customer support and outreach activities. Build strong working relationships to handle appeals, complaints, and inquiries to ensure optimal member & employer satisfaction. Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions to enhance service delivery.
• Information Technology: Establish performance standards for IT systems and technology used in plan administration. Work with vendors to maintain and enhance technology infrastructure & HelpDesk. Implement procedures to secure Administrative Office technology and data.
• Leadership: Recruit, train, and evaluate staff, providing vision, guidance, and motivation to achieve organizational goals. Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within the team and across the organization.
• Board of Trustee Meetings (as warranted): Coordinate and attend Board meetings; helps develop agendas for meetings; works with Trustees and plan professionals to prepare and distribute materials for meetings; monitors deliverables; and prepares and distributes meeting minutes.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to developing and implementing short- and long-term strategic goals. Identify opportunities for organizational growth and operational improvement.
• Vendor Management: Negotiate and manage relationships with external partners and vendors, including IT service providers, consultants, and professional services firms. 

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, operations, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in senior-level management, administrative and operational duties.
• 4+ years of experience in managing staff and relevant functional areas, with a track record of successful leadership and team development.
• 2+ years of experience in health plan administration & compliance.
• Strongly prefer 3+ years of experience in customer care, member & employer services/outreach activities & call center operations.
• Strongly prefer 2+ years of experience in facilities and property management.
• Strongly prefer experience in office management and information technology systems, practices, and tools, including creating and managing efficient document filing systems and file-sharing across multiple teams.
• Prefer experience in Taft-Hartley or collective-bargaining environment.
• Strongly prefer experience in and extensive knowledge of employee benefit plans and related governmental/legislative regulations (ERISA, DOL, IRC, HIPAA, ACA, etc.), including plan design and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of operations, health plan administration, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, financial management, and project management tools.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation), with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker, detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; thrives in an environment of innovation and growth.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. 

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Structure:

• Competitive salary of $125K~$150K annually commensurate with experience & qualifications
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements, including 3 days in office and 2 days work from home (based on business needs)
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision care plans
• 401(k), pension, life and AD&D insurances 

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the NextGroup website. The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.

About NextGroup:

NextGroup is Chicagoland's leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We customize talent solutions with our nonprofit partners, recruiting permanent, fractional, and interim professionals across executive leadership, finance, development, and operations. 

We have a network of 12,000+ professionals in Chicagoland and beyond. We reject cookie-cutter approaches and instead partner with you to build human capital strategies that match your unique growth and capacity-building needs. NextGroup also provides career coaching and transition services to professionals advancing in the social impact sector.