Director of Benefits

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/16

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR) and CHRO, the Director of Benefits serves as the strategic leader for the University's benefits programs. This role demands exceptional leadership acumen and organizational skills to oversee the management, operations, compliance, communications, and administration of all University benefits programs and initiatives, including health and welfare, retirement, well-being, leaves, and educational assistance.

The Director leverages strong benefits strategy expertise and financial planning to ensure that all benefits programs are competitive, compliant, cost effective, and meet the evolving needs of the diverse community. The Director regularly collaborates with senior leaders, stakeholders, vendors, and partners across the institution to ensure program alignment, compliance, and effectiveness. The role requires the ability to synthesize complex benefits data and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable executive summaries for University senior leadership, enabling informed strategic decision-making across the institution.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts regular assessments of benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness; monitors utilization of all programs; ensure plans are managed in accordance with plan documents.
• Oversee a budget of $365 million and closely manages benefits-related financials by developing short- and long-term planning proposals.
• In partnership with the VPHR, determines benefits strategy and establishes benefits policies and guidelines that are aligned with the University's goals and are fiscally responsible; clearly communicates updates and budget projections to CHRO.
• Leads a diverse group of professionals to perform as a well-functioning team focused on customer service and meeting the needs of the Northwestern community, including faculty, staff, and retirees.
• Negotiates contracts and coverage with insurance carriers, consulting firms, and other vendors.
• Communicates benefits strategy, policy and changes to senior leadership, faculty and staff clearly and effectively. Responsible for handling employee inquiries and issues related to benefits.
• Manages relationships with both internal constituencies, including General Counsel and the Budget office as well as external vendors and brokers.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local benefits laws and regulations; serves as liaison on all benefits audits and ensures all compliance reports are accurately prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
• Provides oversight of the Northwestern Retirement Investments Committee (NURIC) and implementation of retirement plan changes as well as the Northwestern University Welfare Plan Administrators (NUWPA).
• Consults with Labor Relations function on benefits-related labor negotiations.

*Will perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, skills)

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in health, welfare and retirement plan management in complex organizations. Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-SCP, or SPHR.
• Exceptional technical expertise in all aspects of benefits, with a history of effectively communicating and presenting complex benefits issues for a diverse workforce.
• Deep financial acumen and proven track record of cost management of large budgets and savings in benefits administration.
• Significant background in benefits analysis and utilization of the latest trends to advance a comprehensive and competitive benefits program.
• Track record of successfully leading large teams with vision, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Exceptional relationship building and collaboration skills for establishing strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and communities.
• Strong process improvement orientation, and willingness to be hands-on with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in and passion for managing change in a complex and ambiguous organization.
• Deep understanding of compliance with federal and state statutes, reviewing new and existing laws and regulations.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• MBA preferred
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, benefits consulting, or other complex organization.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $180,000-$230,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.