Director of Benefits

Prestigious and innovative, midsize law firm based in New York is seeking an experienced Director of Benefits to lead the strategy, administration, and compliance of the organization's employee benefits, retirement, leave management, and insurance programs. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while overseeing day-to-day operations, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance. The role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with operational execution in a fast-paced professional services environment. The Director will partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, IT, and external providers to deliver effective, competitive, and compliant programs that support organizational goals and employee well-being.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the administration and strategic oversight of employee benefits, retirement, leave, disability, wellness, and insurance programs.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on benefits strategy, retirement plans, risk management initiatives, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage retirement plan governance and administration, including audits, filings, compliance testing, vendor coordination, and participant communications.
• Oversee leave of absence, disability, accommodation, and return-to-work programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Direct relationships with brokers, carriers, consultants, auditors, and third-party service providers, including renewals, contract negotiations, and performance management.
• Partner with Finance and Payroll to manage budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, reporting, and financial oversight of benefit and insurance programs.
• Lead and develop team members while driving operational excellence, process improvements, strong controls, and exceptional employee service.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits, retirement, and human resources administration, including leadership responsibility.
• Extensive knowledge of health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and related regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing retirement plan governance, audits, Form 5500 filings, compliance testing, and fiduciary oversight activities.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven success managing external vendors, consultants, brokers, carriers, auditors, and other service providers.
• Experience with insurance and risk management programs, HRIS and benefits administration systems, financial analysis, and professional certifications such as CEBS, SPHR, or related credentials preferred.

Compensation: $195,000-$225,000
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.