Benefits Strategist – Hybrid (Columbia, SC)
The Benefits Strategist is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and management of comprehensive employee benefits programs across multiple associations. This role ensures alignment with client needs, enhances employee satisfaction, and maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Partner collaborates closely with internal teams and external vendors to deliver competitive, high-quality benefits solutions and drive continuous program improvement.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and execute benefits program strategy and design, ensuring competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
- Manage vendor, broker, and carrier relationships, including performance reviews and contract negotiations.
- Lead annual benefits plan reviews, assessing coverage options and identifying cost-management opportunities.
- Analyze market trends to maintain adaptive and attractive benefits offerings.
- Partner with internal stakeholders (Benefits team, HR, Finance, Compliance) to align benefits with organizational needs.
- Provide expert guidance on benefits utilization, regulatory updates, and industry best practices.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, IRS).
- Conduct audits and proactively adjust programs in response to legislative changes.
- Monitor and report on program performance, delivering insights and recommendations to leadership.
- Support special projects and continuous learning to stay current on industry practices and policies.
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in benefits program management, ideally in a multi-employer or service provider environment.
- CEBS or equivalent certification in benefits administration strongly preferred.
- Deep expertise in benefits compliance, vendor management, and program design.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for engaging vendors and key stakeholders.
- Proven ability to solve complex problems and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
About Us
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as technology and other value-added services, to association partners so they can lend to rural residents and agricultural operations of all sizes. We take pride in investing in our employees, our partners and our community.
Find out more on AgFirst.com, and follow us on LinkedIn!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in benefits program management
- Experience in a multi-employer or service provider environment
- CEBS or equivalent certification in benefits administration
- Expertise in benefits compliance, vendor management, and program design
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive actionable insights
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proven ability to solve complex problems and collaborate across diverse teams
What We Do
As part of the nationwide Farm Credit system, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank has been lending financial and business support to agriculture and rural America for more than a century. As a $40.4 billion company, we are prepared to meet tomorrow with a progressive mindset and a passionate workforce by continually adapting to changes in the technology and business landscape. AgFirst provides wholesale funding, cutting-edge technology and a range of support services to local agricultural and rural lenders in 15 states and Puerto Rico. These lenders provide loans to rural home and land buyers and to agricultural operations of all sizes. Our cooperative business model ensures we share our partners’ values, goals and vision for the future. Our employees come from a wide range of backgrounds to advance our mission of serving agriculture and rural America – to Impact More every day. We place a premium on our employees’ unique skills and perspectives and invest in them by offering excellent benefits, competitive pay, flexible work schedules, leadership development opportunities, a corporate incentive plan and more.
