Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness (Immediate Opening)

Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness

The Managing Director of Staff Benefits and Wellness is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and policies across staff benefits and wellness programs for over 10,000 employees across 4 states. This leader is responsible for making strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding benefits and wellness programs so they will have an accurate view of market competitiveness and context, the program's impact on recruitment and retention, and maximizing return on investments. This leader partners internally and externally to promote equity across various regions and states while driving potential cost-savings and or minimizing increases in medical plans over time. The Managing Director is also responsible for developing and ensuring execution of programs that support the organization's vision, mission, and long-term goals.

Manages multiple teams across benefits administration, service and engagement, and wellness programs.

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations: Travel to IDEA or external training events and team stepback retreats - Potential in-person support for campuses and regions during busiest parts of the year.

Accountabilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develops and implements business strategies related to staff benefits and wellness to achieve short-term and long-term goals.
• Advisory and Communication: Provides strategic advice to senior leaders, ensuring they have an accurate view of market conditions and opportunities.
• Benefits and Compliance Expertise: Serve as the in-house expert on medical and supplemental benefits, retirement programs, and compliance issues; communicate policies and legal guidelines related to staff benefits throughout the organization.
• Stakeholder and Team Collaboration: Collaborate with regional Executive Directors, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders to address needs, support recruitment and retention, and ensure effective communication and trust.
• Budget and Performance Management: Oversee healthcare and wellness budgets, review and audit reports, and manage team performance through delegation, coaching, and motivation.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Guide the development and evaluation of wellness programs and other initiatives to support staff retention and control insurance costs.
• Partnership Management: Manage and evaluate partnerships with third parties and ensure high standards in the Administration team's performance.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare for any new regions and/or strategic needs as required by strategic context
• Provide perspectives on organizational initiatives outside specific area of management
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Competencies:

Build a Culture of Trust: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Communicate Deliberately: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Grow Self and Others: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Make Sound Decisions: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Manage Work and Teams: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams. They analyze complex data sets, predict trends, and make decisions that align with the organization's strategic goals. They also guide others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Additional Skills:

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint
• Experience with Employee Information Systems, Enrollment Platforms, and other benefits databases.
• Strong excel knowledge and skills.
• Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.

Required experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree in human resource management or related field. Experience: Minimum of five years of strategic benefits management experience.

Preferred experience:

Certification: CBP, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and CEBS professional designations preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 15 pounds (occasionally).

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits: Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $119,000 and $142,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at

* IDEA Public Schools may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.