Director of Benefits Administration

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

Education: Required - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required;
Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, MHRM) preferred.

Certifications
:
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-SCP, or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) strongly preferred.

Experience: Required - Minimum of 8 years in employee benefits management, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Direct experience managing comprehensive benefits programs, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance is highly desirable. Proven track record in benefits strategy, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration.

First Day Foundation is a charitable organization that provides philanthropic grants and management and governance services to other nonprofit organization doing good work in our own backyard and across the globe. We are dedicated to supporting our employees through comprehensive, competitive benefits programs that promote their health, financial security, and overall well-being. Our Benefits & Employee Wellness Services department plays a critical role in attracting, retaining, and supporting a talented workforce aligned with our organizational values.

The Director of Benefits Administration is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all employee benefits programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Benefits & Employee Wellness, the Director manages the design, implementation, administration, and communication of benefits offerings including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives. This role demands a knowledgeable leader with expertise in benefits strategy, regulatory compliance, and vendor management, who can drive innovation, ensure fiscal responsibility, and deliver exceptional employee experiences.

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

1. Benefits Strategy and Program Design:
Develop and implement comprehensive benefits strategies in alignment with organizational goals and workforce demographics. Lead initiatives to introduce new offerings or revise existing programs such as retirement plans, health insurance, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits. Analyze benefits usage data, costs, and market trends to evaluate effectiveness and competitiveness. Present recommendations to leadership on program modifications and enhancements.

2. Financial Management and Budget Oversight:
Direct benefits budget planning, forecasting, and cost management to maintain fiscal health. Conduct regular cost-benefit analyses and trend reporting. Ensure accurate financial reconciliation of benefits billing and vendor invoicing. Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining quality and competitiveness. Provide monthly and quarterly financial metrics and reports to leadership.

3. Vendor Management and Contract Negotiation:
Manage relationships and negotiate contracts with brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and service providers to ensure competitive and cost-effective offerings. Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and hold providers accountable for service level agreements. Evaluate new vendors and alternative solutions to optimize program delivery.

4. Regulatory Compliance and

Risk Management:

Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other benefits-related laws. Oversee preparation and timely filing of required government reports (Form 5500, 1095-C, non-discrimination testing, etc.). Audit procedures to safeguard organizational compliance.

5. Benefits Administration and Operations:
Direct day-to-day operations including enrollment processes, eligibility management, life event changes, and leave administration. Ensure data integrity across all benefits systems and platforms. Partner with CIS Department to ensure benefits plans are configured correctly in HRIS and benefits administration software and employees can access and enroll in eligible plans seamlessly. Oversee reconciliation of benefits billing, premium payments, and vendor invoicing.

6. Supervision & Team Management:
Provide day-to-day leadership for their direct staff/ team by setting clear goals, defining roles, and aligning work to department priorities. Coach, develop, and evaluate staff through regular 1:1s, feedback, and documented performance goals. Recognize achievements and address gaps promptly. Establish and maintain SOPs, workload/capacity planning, and an escalation/on-call rhythm to ensure coverage, quality, and compliance. Promote a respectful, inclusive, and accountable team culture that values transparency, continuous improvement, and cross-training so every critical process has a trained backup.

7. Employee Communications and

Education:

Develop and implement comprehensive employee benefits communications strategies. Create…