Career Center

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Director of Benefits is a key member of our HR leadership team and is responsible for the design, communication, compliance and delivery of the employee health and retirement benefits, leaves of absence and the employee service center. Subject matter expert in benefits design, principles and practices. Collaborates across HR, Finance, Legal and in partnership with business leaders to ensure that benefits align with strategic objectives, attract and retain top talent, are compliant with statutory regulations and promote the well-being of our employees.

The Director of Benefits reports to Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources.

*This position will work a hybrid work schedule requiring two days in the office.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Strategy and Management â“ Design, develop and implement cost efficient benefit programs and strategies that align with business objectives, are competitive in the marketplace, and address employee needs; monitor external trends and opportunities for continuous evolvement of future programs. Develop metrics to measure program effectiveness/impact.  
• Customer Service â“ Provide white glove feeling for those interacting with the benefits service center while diplomatically providing tools and encouraging and enabling self-service. Handles escalated benefit inquiries to ensure equitable, courteous resolution.
• Employee Communication and Education - Develop communication strategies to effectively educate and engage employees about the organization's benefits programs. Create and deliver informative materials, website updates, presentations, and training sessions to ensure employees understand the value, coverage, and proper utilization of their benefits. Partner with the HR leadership team and internal and external communication partners to develop and deliver employee communications to impact participation and engagement.
• Annual Planning and Budgetingâ“ Lead the annual benefit plan design, review and benchmarking to ensure competitiveness. Work with benefit plan consultants, vendors and legal to develop recommendations and strategy. Manage the annual open enrollment process. Responsible for annual preparation for budget approval.
• People Leader - Coach and inspire team to deliver employee care and services at the same level we deliver to our patients and students. Encourage continuous growth and development. 
• Vendor Selection and Management - Lead vendor evaluation and selection process for all benefits; ensure vendor is held accountable for performance targets, service level agreements, and addresses delivery issues in a timely manner as they arise. Ensure vendors deliver against SLAs and any escalations are managed quickly and with high service standards, and that workflows across all third party and HR are operating optimally. Manage vendor payment processes. 
• Manage benefits projects from inception to implementation partnering with university stakeholders and other members of the benefits and Workday teams.
• Plan Compliance - Oversee the compliance, reporting, and governance of all benefit plans in accordance with ERISA, DOL, and other regulatory agencies and with all internal controls and audit requirements. Monitor ongoing and developing benefits legislation and public policy direction to ensure plan compliance with all laws and regulations in jurisdictions where WashU operates. Partner with internal and external legal teams to ensure policies and procedures are compliant with current regulatory requirements; assist in preparation of plan reports and filings as required by government agencies, and update plan document and amendments. Responsible for monthly operations calendar review and updates. Lead the Retirement Plans Committee and the Benefits Plans Appeal Committee.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masterâ™s degree.
• CEBS or CPB certification.
• Excellent business acumen, strong strategic planning, financial, numerical and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create, implement, market, measure and evaluate benefits and work/life programs, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated history of working as a team member in a complex, cross functional business environment and the ability to form relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to establish the appropriate priorities and work with a sense of urgency.
• Effective attention to detail and accuracy with a superior work ethic.
• Outstanding people management and development skills.
• Ability to inspire and be âœpresent❠with the team.
• Demonstrated effective organizational, communication, presentation, and project management skills are highly preferred.

*This position will work a hybrid work schedule requiring two days in the office. 

Required Qualifications

Grade

G18

Salary Range

$127,300.00 - $223,900.00 / Annually

The 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.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All 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 Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• 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? Weâ™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/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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