Director of Benefits

THE LANDSCAPE AHEAD

Our client, Baptist Health, is one of Northeast Florida's most respected and enduring institutions, locally owned and operated, with a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and meaningful outcomes for both patients and employees. This is not a heavily bureaucratic environment. Leaders here are accessible, open to new ideas, and genuinely invested in the people who make the organization exceptional.

The Director of Benefits will step into leadership of an established and cohesive team of six, known for their continuity, professionalism, and pride in their work. Team members include Benefits Specialists and Benefits Analysts. They are ready for a leader who will earn their trust by demonstrating genuine expertise, working alongside them when it matters most, and investing in their continued growth and development.

The role reports to the VP of Total Rewards within a broader HR structure that is actively evolving. Baptist Health recently completed a transition to Workday in March, and the organization is navigating that journey together, a collaborative process that reflects the culture at large.

The team will also be relocating to the Southbank campus, one of the most dynamic addresses in Jacksonville. Baptist Health's Southbank is undergoing one of the most ambitious periods of growth in its history, with a new emergency tower, a rehabilitation center, and a landmark hotel all in development, making this an extraordinarily exciting time to join the organization.

For the right leader, this role carries a meaningful career runway and a genuine opportunity to shape the future of benefits strategy at one of the region's most prominent health systems. This position is based onsite in Jacksonville, with a hybrid schedule of three days onsite and two days remote.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Benefits leads a team responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Baptist Health benefit programs. The role oversees the implementation, reporting, invoicing, communication, and compliance for Baptist Health and welfare benefit programs. The Director will ensure benefit programs are compliant with all federal and state regulations and develop procedures documenting adherence. Works with vendors and internal departments (i.e., HRIS, legal) to administer efficient, accurate, and compliant benefit programs. An integral part of the Total Rewards leadership team, reporting to the VP of Total Rewards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

• At the direction of the VP of Total Rewards, ensures the implementation, communication, and administration of health and welfare programs.
• Prepares project plans, including tactics, timing, resources, and communication needs, to ensure implementation of programs in line with system strategies.
• Ability to clearly communicate benefit programs at all levels of the organization.
• Manages benefit programs according to terms negotiated in vendor contracts.
• Drives Annual Open Enrollment initiatives.
• Responsible for managing the Healthy for Life team and team member well-being initiatives across the organization.
• Administers absence management initiatives, reporting, and compliance.
• Accountable for programming benefits into HR systems according to documents/policy terms.

Compliance

• Identifies, escalates, and seeks resolution on major issues and risks through partnership with the VP of Total Rewards.
• Ensures all language in benefit policies, procedures, and documents is clear and reflects the practices of the organization.
• Accountable for the administration of benefit programs in compliance with all governmental regulations (ex. ERISA, DOL, IRS, ADA, etc.).
• Validates that benefits processes are in adherence with internal policies and procedures.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Responsible for tracking and reporting benefit plan expenses throughout the year.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices.
• Supports benchmarking review of health and welfare benefit programs against the market.
• Drives internal department auditing process to ensure accurate data, invoicing, and payments.

SKILLS

• Effectively lead the team through coaching, mentoring, and development by setting clear goals and providing consistent feedback.
• Solid foundational knowledge of comprehensive health and welfare programs with the ability to communicate clearly through written and verbal communication.
• Possesses excellent intellectual and analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and influencing capabilities.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate at all organizational levels and work effectively in a complex environment.
• Strong project management.
• Possesses leadership presence to interact successfully with senior leaders and external audiences.
• Demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond to resolve issues and encourages ongoing identification of barriers.
• Builds and maintains strong positive relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Transforms data into information that can drive strategy.
• Possesses strong formal presentation skills (all levels/settings) and written communication skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of benefits experience, with 3–5 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting oversight and benefits cost analysis.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Proficient in computer and technical systems relevant to benefits administration, with the ability to leverage technology for reporting and data management.
• Skilled in customer service principles, with a focus on delivering a positive experience for both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Highly organized with proven time management, prioritization, and flexibility to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
• Strong interviewing and negotiation skills, with experience engaging vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Collaborative team player who fosters a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.