Full Time Digital Director

OUT THE ROLE The Director of Total Rewards will lead the strategy, administration, and ongoing improvement of the Firm’s employee benefits programs. This role will serve as the Firm’s senior benefits subject matter expert, overseeing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and related employee programs. Working closely with Firm leadership, the Chief People Officer, Finance, Legal, Payroll, and external advisors, the Director will ensure that benefits programs remain competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with the needs of attorneys, partners, and business professionals. The Director will oversee day-to-day benefits operations while also driving long-term program strategy, vendor performance, process improvements, and employee communications. This position will manage and develop the benefits team and serve as a trusted advisor to Firm leadership on benefits strategy, regulatory requirements, plan design, costs, and emerging market trends. BENEFITS STRATEGY & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Develop and execute the Firm’s overall benefits strategy, ensuring programs support recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and the Firm’s broader people objectives. S. health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, HSA programs, and other voluntary benefits. Regularly evaluate benefit offerings, utilization, employee feedback, market data, and cost trends to identify opportunities for enhancement and ensure programs remain competitive within the legal and professional services markets. Partner with senior leadership and Finance to establish annual benefits budgets, forecast program costs, and monitor monthly spending and plan performance. Develop recommendations for plan design changes, contribution strategies, and new programs based on workforce needs, competitive intelligence, and financial analysis. Ensure benefits information, policies, plan documents, and employee resources remain accurate and accessible. RETIREMENT PROGRAMS Provide strategic oversight of the Firm’s retirement offerings, including 401(k), cash balance/pension programs, and other applicable retirement arrangements. Partner with Finance, Legal, retirement consultants, and plan advisors on plan design, compliance, fiduciary matters, and long-term program strategy. Oversee annual retirement plan activities, including audits, government filings, nondiscrimination testing, required notices, and regulatory submissions. Monitor developments from the Department of Labor, IRS, PBGC, and other regulatory agencies and assess their impact on the Firm’s retirement programs. Support Benefits and Retirement Committees by preparing recommendations, financial analysis, plan performance information, and other materials required for effective governance. Oversee the Firm’s leave programs, including FMLA, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, military leave, state and local paid leave requirements, and other statutory or Firm-sponsored leave programs. Ensure leave policies and administration remain compliant with federal, New York State, and New York City requirements. Partner with HR, Payroll, Legal, and benefits vendors to resolve complex leave cases and ensure appropriate documentation and communication. Provide strategic direction for employee well-being initiatives encompassing physical, emotional, financial, and mental wellness. VENDOR & CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT Serve as the primary relationship owner for benefits brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, retirement providers, and other benefits vendors. Lead vendor selection and review processes, including RFPs, renewals, contract negotiations, service evaluations, and performance assessments. Establish measurable service expectations and hold vendors accountable for quality, responsiveness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. Review vendor performance and identify opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline benefits administration. Maintain oversight of compliance with applicable federal, state, and local benefits regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, New York State requirements, and New York City mandates. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and translate changes into actionable recommendations for Firm leadership. Partner with Legal and external benefits counsel on complex regulatory, fiduciary, and plan-related matters. Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions when necessary. Use benefits utilization, claims, enrollment, workforce, and market data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trends. Analyze benefits costs and develop financial models to support plan design and strategic recommendations. Establish meaningful metrics to measure program participation, cost effectiveness, vendor performance, and employee satisfaction. Identify opportunities to improve benefits operations through technology, automation, and process redesign. Create resources and training materials for employees, managers, HR professionals, and Firm leadership. Serve as a senior escalation point for complex or sensitive benefits matters. Partner with HR Business Partners and other People teams to ensure consistent and accurate benefits information is communicated throughout the Firm. Lead, mentor, and develop the benefits team, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and service standards. Provide coaching and ongoing professional development to team members. Evaluate team structure and resources to ensure the benefits function can effectively support a sophisticated and high-volume law firm environment. Establish efficient workflows and cross-training practices to maintain business continuity. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline required; Demonstrated expertise across health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, compliance, vendor management, and benefits communications. ~ Prior experience leading a benefits function and managing or developing benefits professionals. ~ Law firm, legal services, financial services, consulting, or other professional services experience strongly preferred. ~ Experience managing 401(k) and other qualified retirement programs, including plan governance, audits, compliance testing, and regulatory filings. ~ Strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to evaluate plan costs, utilization, vendor performance, and market data. ~ Excellent vendor negotiation and relationship-management skills. ~ Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information appropriately. ~ Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and time-sensitive deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment. ~ Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration platforms, Microsoft Excel, and related reporting tools. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.