Director of Employee Benefits|Hybrid Role

Job Description

Job Description

Director, Benefits

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid)

Must Report to Facility- Houston, Texas 77074



Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Compensation: $160,000 – $200,000 / year (Commensurate with experience)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Benefits to lead the design, implementation, administration, and compliance of our total benefits and wellness programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Total Rewards, this role is pivotal in attracting and retaining top-tier talent across a complex, integrated healthcare system.

The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, overseeing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, executive/non-qualified benefits, and vendor/broker relationships while ensuring strict regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Benefit Design: Design, evaluate, and execute competitive, "best practice" health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs aligned with organizational strategy and budget.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all benefit plans comply with federal and state laws, including ERISA, IRS regulations, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ACA. Manage ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Direct relationships with external consultants, brokers, actuaries, and third-party administration partners to optimize service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Retirement Plan Oversight: Oversee administration, compliance, and plan design for qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including 403(b), 401(k), and pension plans.
• HRIS & Process Optimization: Partner with HRIS and IT teams to implement automation, system enhancements, and user-friendly employee self-service enrollment tools.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the Benefits staff while acting as the primary escalation point for complex HR Service Center benefit inquiries.
• Analytics & Metrics: Establish ROI metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate the efficiency and impact of total rewards and wellness programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources Management, or a related discipline required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience managing benefits operations, including plan design, implementation, and compliance.
• Industry Focus: Direct experience within an acute hospital or integrated healthcare system (or multi-divisional complex organization) is required.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency with HRIS databases and benefits administration software platforms.
• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), or equivalent HR certification.

Key Competencies

• Deep knowledge of health & welfare, 403(b)/401(k), pension, life/AD&D, short-term disability, and voluntary plans.
• Strong executive communication, critical thinking, vendor negotiation, and team leadership skills.
• Ability to handle multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plans (401k / 403b)
• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Hybrid Work Schedule