<p>Juno Search Partners has been retained by White Lodging to assist in finding them their newest Director of Benefits.</p> <p>SUMMARY</p> <p>The Director of Benefits is responsible for leading and overseeing the implementation, administration, and management of the organization's comprehensive benefits programs. This role is critical in ensuring that the benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization's overall goals. The Director will lead a team of professionals, provide guidance on benefits matters, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and drive initiatives to promote employee well-being across the company.</p> <p>The Director, Benefits will work closely with the Sr. Director, Total Rewards, HR partners, and external vendors to develop and execute strategies that drive employee engagement and support the company's growth and success. The Director of Benefits reports directly to the Sr. Director, Total Rewards.</p> <p>RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <ul> <li> <p>Leadership and Team Management</p> </li><li> <p>Lead, mentor, and develop a team of benefits professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide guidance and support to HR business partners and senior leaders on benefits matters.</p> </li><li> <p>Drive cross-functional collaboration and communication to ensure the successful implementation of benefits programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Educate, coach, and support Human Resources and Business Leaders on benefits matters.</p> </li><li> <p>Strategic Leadership & Management</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with senior leadership to analyze and forecast trends in benefits, providing recommendations for future program designs.</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and execute strategies that align benefits programs with the organization's objectives.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending plans, and retirement plans.</p> </li><li> <p>Benefits and Wellbeing Programs</p> </li><li> <p>Partner with the Sr. Director, Total Rewards to design comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, wellness, retirement, and other ancillary benefits.</p> </li><li> <p>Implement and manage employee benefits programs</p> </li><li> <p>Lead initiatives to promote employee well-being, including physical, financial, and mental health programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with legal requirements across all operating regions.</p> </li><li> <p>Benefits Administration</p> </li><li> <p>Serve as the primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators, managing the day-to-day operations of the benefits programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure timely and accurate processing of enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, and claims related to all benefits programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Audit the accuracy and performance of benefits staff functions and conduct plan audits as required.</p> </li><li> <p>Compliance and Risk Management</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitor and manage risks associated with benefits programs, including financial, operational, and compliance risks.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare and present reports to senior leadership on benefits strategies and outcomes.</p> </li><li> <p>Compliance & Reporting</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, and DOL requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain documentation of administrative procedures for benefits processes and ensure accuracy of required reporting and fees.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage the gathering of employee data, oversee the processing of monthly billings, and ensure accurate allocation of group health and dental claims.</p> </li><li> <p>Employee Communication & Support</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance employee understanding of the benefits package.</p> </li><li> <p>Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide training and support to group benefits associates, corporate office associates, and field staff.</p> </li><li> <p>Offer high-level customer service support to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a positive employee experience.</p> </li><li> <p>Analytical & Technical Support</p> </li><li> <p>Provide analytical and technical support in the delivery of benefits programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Analyze complex benefits data and industry trends, offering insights and recommendations to senior leadership.</p> </li><li> <p>Complete industry benefits surveys and review results to inform strategy and decision-making.</p> </li><li> <p>Human Resources Capability</p> </li><li> <p>Takes time to educate, coach and support Human Resources and Business Leaders on total rewards matters</p> </li></ul> <p>CRITICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES</p> <ul> <li>Leadership and Team Development </li><li>Change Management </li><li>Data Analysis </li><li>Driving Execution </li><li>Continuous Improvement </li><li>Building Partnerships </li><li>High Impact Communicator </li><li>Business & Financial Acumen </li><li>Seasoned Judgement </li></ul> <p>EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required. </li><li>Relevant professional certification (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SPHR) is required within one year of hire date. </li></ul> <p>1</p>