This position ensures that benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. The Senior Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and partners closely with Finance, HR Business Partners, Legal, Workday HRIS, and external vendors. The role combines strategic oversight with operational excellence across the design, governance, communication, compliance, and delivery of employee health and retirement benefits, leave programs, and the employee solutions center.
This is an opportunity for a strategic leader who enjoys balancing long-term vision with operational execution in a dynamic and evolving environment.Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and ongoing evolution of the benefits strategy, philosophy, and governance framework aligned with broader Total Rewards objectives. Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on market trends, innovations, best practices, and cost management while maintaining flexibility where needed.
- Design, develop, implement, and oversee cost-effective benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, voluntary benefits, and leave of absence programs. Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to assess and ensure programs are competitive in the marketplace, support employee needs, and align with business objectives. Lead benefits-related projects from concept through implementation in partnership with university stakeholders and the benefits and Workday teams.
- Ensure financial stewardship including benefits budgets, forecasts, and long-range cost projections. Analyze claims experience, utilization trends, and cost drivers to improve program effectiveness and spending. Develop and evolve dashboards and KPIs that provide actionable insights to leaders.
- Lead benefits communication and education strategies that improve employee understanding, engagement, and utilization of benefits programs.
- Mentor and develop a team of 15 benefits professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Ensure the team is equipped to deliver high-quality service and operational support. Ensure the employee benefits solutions center delivers high-quality, responsive, and service-oriented experience. Handle escalated benefit inquiries and employee issues with professionalism, equity, and care while promoting self-service tools and resources and leveraging AI.
- Lead vendor evaluation and selection for all benefits programs. Hold vendors accountable for performance targets, service level agreements, and timely issue resolution. Manage vendor payment processes and ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Responsible for the Retirement Plans Committee and Benefits Plans Appeal Committee, and serve as Secretary for the Compensation and Benefits Committee. Support governance processes and ensure effective documentation, coordination, and decision-making.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Normal office environment
- Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations
Physical Effort
- Typically sitting at desk or table
- Ability to move to on and off-campus locations
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (typing)
Equipment
- Office equipment
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
10 years of experience with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity leading the development of a complex, integrated and strategic benefits program in a healthcare, or corporate environment.
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Benefits Administration, Business Administration, Business Mindset, Communication, Cross-Functional Work, Detail-Oriented, Employee Benefits Design, Financial Competence, Group Presentations, High Accuracy, HR Project Management, Inspiring Leadership, Motivating Teams, Numerical Aptitude, People Management, Policies & Procedures, Prioritization, Professional Ethics, Project Management, Relationship Building, Strategic Planning, Teamwork, Workforce DevelopmentGradeG20Salary Range$186,900.00 - $328,800.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.QuestionsFor frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
AccommodationIf you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits StatementPersonal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 10 years developing a complex, integrated strategic benefits program in higher education, healthcare, or corporate environment
- At least 5 years of leadership experience
- Experience leading and managing a benefits team (responsible for people management and team development)
- Design, implement, and oversee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, voluntary benefits, leave)
- Financial stewardship of benefits budgets, forecasts, claims analysis, and KPI/dashboard development
- Vendor evaluation, selection, contract and performance management, and vendor payment processes
- Knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA
- Experience partnering with Workday HRIS teams or working with Workday
- Ability to travel to on- and off-campus locations as needed
- Master's degree
- Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
What We Do
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