Director, Benefits

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!


Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.


We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.

Primary Purpose:


Designs and delivers a customer-centered, data-driven benefits function that ensures compliance, operational excellence, and an exceptional employee experience. Leads the transformation of the Benefits function into a high-performing operation, one that is defined by clear processes, measurable outcomes, and proactive, empathetic support for employees during critical life events.

Job Category: Exempt


Hiring Range: Commensurate With Experience


Pay Basis: Annually


Subject to Grant Funding? No


Essential Job Functions:


1. Leads the strategy and execution of a modern, scalable benefits function aligned to organizational priorities.
2. Establishes and refines standardized workflows, service levels, and operating procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and transparency.
3. Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen operational performance.
4. Champions a customer-centered approach to benefits delivery, particularly during high-impact moments such as leave and life events.
5. Ensures all employee interactions are timely, accurate, and empathetic.
6. Leverages employee feedback and service trends to improve the overall benefits experience.
7. Implements and manages a performance framework using key operational and experience metrics (e.g., volume, cycle time, backlog, satisfaction, escalations).
8. Provides regular reporting and actionable insights to leadership.
9. Fosters a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making across the team.
10. Oversees administration of health & welfare programs and leave management (FMLA, ADA, disability, COBRA).
11. Ensures consistent, compliant, and timely case management practices.
12. Partners with HR and leadership on complex or sensitive cases.
13. Provides strategic oversight of retirement programs through direct supervision of program leadership.
14. Ensures effective plan administration, compliance, and vendor performance.
15. Supports plan evaluation, enhancements, and employee education initiatives to improve retirement readiness.
16. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA).
17. Oversee audits, filings, and required reporting activities.
18. Identifies and mitigates risks through strong controls and governance practices.
19. Manages relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants, ensuring strong performance and service delivery.
20. Oversee benefits budget, billing accuracy, and cost forecasting.
21. Identifies opportunities for cost optimization while maintaining competitive and high-quality programs.
22. Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates work activities of subordinates and staff, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and terminating, all in accordance with University policies and procedures.
23. Completes special projects as assigned.
24. Performs other duties as assigned or required.


Job Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:


Knowledge:
1. Advanced knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, and regulatory compliance, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and applicable IRS regulations.
2. Working knowledge of retirement plan governance, administration, and compliance requirements.
3. Understanding of leave management practices, including the integration of FMLA, ADA, and disability programs.
4. Knowledge of service delivery models, process improvement methodologies, and operational best practices.
5. Familiarity with HR systems, benefits administration platforms, and case management tools.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of IRS Code Section 125 regulations.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefit plans, plan design concepts and administration procedures, including knowledge of administrative systems and their implementation.

Skills:
1. Mediation/facilitation and conflict de-escalation at senior levels.
2. Diplomacy & emotional intelligence-navigates high-stakes, politically complex situations.
3. Executive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
5. Program and operational leadership, including the ability to design, implement, and manage scalable processes.
6. Vendor management and negotiation skills.
7. Process improvement and continuous improvement capabilities.
8. Leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to develop team capability and performance.
9. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
10. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Abilities:
1. Ability to influence without authority; earn trust across executive and faculty/staff ranks.
2. Balance speed with due process; keep the enterprise audit-ready.
3. Lead through ambiguity with steadiness, transparency, and fairness.
4. Ability to lead with accountability, sound judgment, and a strong sense of ownership.
5. Ability to balance employee experience with compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency.
6. Ability to identify patterns, anticipate issues, and proactively implement solutions.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive situations.
8. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment while driving change.

Physical Requirements:
1. Near Vision - Must be able to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
2. Speech Recognition - Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
3. Speech Clarity - Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
4. Travel - Must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
5. May be required to work nights or weekends.
6. May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
7. May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, to include but not limited to pens, pencils, and computer keyboards.


Required Certifications/Licensures:

Required Education: Bachelor's degree


Major (if required: Human Resources, Business, or related field


Required Experience:


1. 10 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, strategy, or operations.
2. 4-6 years of leadership experience managing a benefits teams and complex functions.


Preferred Qualifications:


1. 6+ years in a supervisory role and leading teams and complex cases.
2. CEBS, CBP, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP.
3. Experience leading benefits transformation or operational redesign initiatives.
4. Experience overseeing retirement programs and complex vendor environments.
5. Experience with HRIS or benefits administration systems.
6. Experience with Banner system.


Is this a safety sensitive position? No


Background Screening Required? Yes


Pre-Employment Conditions:

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.


NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.