Director, Benefits

Healthfirst

Director of Benefits at Healthfirst developing and implementing strategic benefit management. Leading benefits programs and compliance while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Posted 4/15/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $154,600 - $236,555 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement strategic goals for the oversight and management of the organization's benefit and retirement plans, programs, and policies
Lead the design and delivery of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, market practices, and employee needs
Direct the strategy and administration of employee benefits, recognition, and retirement programs
Ensure strategic alignment of benefits with organizational goals and compliance with legal requirements
Monitor industry and regulatory trends; provide insights and recommendations to inform benefit reviews and renewals; use data and insights to shape strategy, evaluate vendors
Act as a fiduciary leader, in partnership with the Benefits and Retirement Committee
Oversee and manage health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, SERP, and disability programs
Conduct research and analysis of benefit programs, monitoring vendor performance and auditing practices
Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts
Manage and work with broker and vendor partners
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and program delivery improvement
Monitor costs and utilization, recommend cost containment strategies, and engage with Finance to ensure accurate accounting, accruals, and funding
Communicate all benefit related information to employees and prepare regular and ad hoc reports for stakeholders
Collaborate with HR Communications to enhance communication strategies
Direct the preparation of filings to meet governmental rules and regulations
Ensure programs comply with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other pertinent regulations, and oversee internal audit requirements
Coach and develop a high performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement and employee experience
Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance expertise in benefits design and analysis
Lead annual benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, and employee communications
Use analytics to provide insights on utilization, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategy and decision making
Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and committees on benefit budgets, forecasts, and trend analyses

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex subject matter clearly and persuasively
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build relationships at multiple organizational levels
Demonstrated strategic, analytical, and detail-oriented mindset
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is preferred
Experience using Workday is a plus

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

benefits program designretirement program managementdata analysisvendor managementcost containment strategiesregulatory complianceemployee communicationsauditing practicesstrategic planningnegotiation

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillscollaborationstrategic mindsetanalytical skillsdetail-orientedcoachingteam developmentproblem-solvingrelationship building

Certifications

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)Bachelor’s degree in Human ResourcesBachelor’s degree in Finance