Director, Benefits

The Director, Benefits supports the design, delivery, and administration of VNS Health's employee benefits programs in close partnership with the VP, Benefits. This role focuses on ensuring programs are effectively managed, compliant, and employee-friendly, while providing operational excellence in day-to-day administration. The Director works across HR, Payroll, and external vendors to make sure employees experience seamless benefits services that align with organizational priorities and regulatory requirements.

What We Provide:

• Referral bonus opportunities
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 30 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays
• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Disability
• Employer-matched retirement saving funds
• Personal and financial wellness programs
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care
• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Internal mobility, generous tuition reimbursement, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities

What You Will Do:

Program Delivery & Administration

• Partner with the VP, Benefits to implement benefits programs that balance competitiveness, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage daily administration of medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life, disability, retirement (401k, 403b and DB Pension), spending account, commuter, Well-being and voluntary benefit programs.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment process, ensuring system readiness, employee communications, and smooth execution.
• Oversee benefits data integrity, audits, and reporting in collaboration with HRIS, Finance, Legal and Payroll.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, NY Paid Family Leave, etc.).
• Interpret actuarial valuations and quantitative analyses from benefits consultants; validate assumptions, assess financial and compliance impacts, and translate findings into plan design, funding, and cost-forecast recommendations for leadership.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Work with brokers, consultants, and carriers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Partner with the VP, Benefits to prepare renewals, review contracts, and provide input on cost analysis and budgeting.
• Monitor vendor performance and escalate issues as needed to maintain service standards.

Employee Experience & Communication

• Support the development of employee-facing benefits communications, tools, and resources that improve understanding and engagement.
• Partner with HRBPs and managers to address employee benefits questions and escalations.
• Assist in employee well-being initiatives across physical, mental, and financial health programs.
• Serve as the Benefits ambassador across sites-maintain a regular on-site presence (rounding, huddles, town halls) to meet employees where they work and represent HR professionally and empathetically.
• Host recurring "Ask Benefits" office hours at major locations and virtual drop-ins for remote/field teams; resolve questions live and triage complex cases to the right experts.
• Proactively educate employees on the full spectrum of resources (medical, Rx, dental/vision, EAP, behavioral health, financial wellness, disability/leave, retirement, commuter, voluntary benefits) and how to access them-including after-hours, urgent, and confidential options
• Partner with HRBPs and People Leaders to anticipate moments of need (e.g., reorganizations, seasonal spikes) and deploy targeted, plain-language communications and micro-learnings

Team Leadership

• Manage and coach the benefits team, providing day-to-day direction and guidance.
• Foster a culture of responsiveness, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment with the HR service delivery model.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) preferred

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Business Administration, or related field required
• Master's Degree preferred

Work Experience:

• Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in benefits administration, with at least 3 years in a management role required
• Experience in a large, complex, and preferably unionized healthcare or not-for-profit environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency with personal computers including MS Office, Word and Excel required
• Strong knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and compliance
• Solid vendor and relationship management skills
• Analytical skills to review benefits data and provide operational recommendations
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain benefits programs to employees and managers
• Proven ability to manage teams and drive operational efficiency
• Proficiency in HRIS / Workday