Job Description
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about
American University
Department:
Total Rewards
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
Regular
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Director of Benefits & Retirement is responsible for the strategic development and management of comprehensive benefits, insurances, and retirement programs for the university. The Director will be responsible for providing competitive benefits programs (health & welfare, insurance, and retirement,) and support for 2,900 faculty, staff and retirees. The Director will also facilitate the development of the Annual Open Enrollment, Digital Transformation of the Total Rewards Department, Leave Administration, Tuition Remittance, and effective communication of Benefits Programs, and their evolution.
The Director provides overall leadership and direction for benefits planning and administration for university faculty, staff and retirees. They recommend policy, oversee the benefits operations, and directly manage benefits administration. The Director plans, negotiates and administers all University benefits and retirement programs and initiatives; develops long range and current planning proposals for budget; serves as contract liaison between insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, and consulting firms and university offices of procurement and finance; prepares and presents critical research and trend data and analyses on benefits; reviews and evaluates new and existing laws and regulations for benefits compliance; and designs and implements ongoing initiatives to enhance benefits at American University.
Essential Functions:
1.) Benefit Program Development and Oversight
Oversee the development and management of competitive benefits programs to include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx benefits; Basic Life, AD&D, Optional Life and additional Insurances; Leave Administration, Tuition Remittance, and effective communication of Benefits Programs to support equity, wellness and legal compliance.
Design and implement a comprehensive, data-driven benefits strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, and workforce needs.
Ensure the strategy remains competitive within the higher education industry and relevant labor markets to attract and retain top talent.
Regularly assess the effectiveness of benefits programs and market data, and recommend adjustments to address market trends, employee satisfaction, and budget considerations.
Oversee the education, communication and implementation of the annual benefits analysis process, engagement with the Benefits Advisory Project Team as well as the Benefits Working Group, the annual Open Enrollment and new Hire Enrollment processes and technologies and maintenance and access to benefits escalations and questions.
2.) Management of Benefit Programs
Manage and provide competitive benefits (health and welfare, wellness, and retirement) programs and support systems for faculty, staff and retirees.
Maintain effective communication with faculty and staff about benefits.
Provide overall leadership, direction and oversight for all university benefits planning and administration.
Recommend policy.
Plan, negotiate and administer all University benefits programs and initiatives.
Develop long range and current planning proposals, including budget impact.
Serve as liaison between carriers and university offices of procurement and finance on contracts and coverage with insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, compensation vendors, and consulting firms.
Prepare and present critical research and trend data and analyses on benefits.
Review, evaluate and ensure programs remain in compliance with new and existing laws and regulations and align with university policies.
Design and implement ongoing initiatives to enhance benefit offerings, ensure equity and effectively manage costs.
3.) Team Management
Manage, coach and develop subordinates for improved performance and job satisfaction.
Clearly articulate performance expectations, develop realistic, time-bound and measurable work plans with HR staff to accomplish goals.
Identify and support developmental opportunities of staff.
4.) Labor Relations
Provide support and participate in union negotiations.
5.) Human Resources Leadership
Serve as part of HR management team.
Provide strategic direction and mentorship to HR teams focused on compensation and benefits.
Partner with key stakeholders, including Finance, IT, and Legal, to support effective implementation and compliance.
6.) Strategy Development
Develop and implement strategies to effectively communicate total rewards programs and HR services to employees.
Collaborate with HR leadership and key stakeholders to ensure proper administration of total rewards programs and compliance.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Assistant Director, Health & Welfare.
Education Benefits and Compliance Coordinator.
Competencies:
Prioritizing and Organizing.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Managing Performance.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Developing Plans.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Building and Supporting Teams.
Managing Talent.
Building a Customer Focused Organization.
Driving Continuous Improvement.
Collaborative Leadership.
Leading and Inspiring People.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-Time.
35 hours per week.
Salary Range:
$100,000 - $140,000 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 8 years progressively responsible experience in benefits and retirement or equivalent in education, training and experience.
Proficiency in consultation skills, executive coaching, customer service skills, strategic communications, collaboration, interpersonal and management skills, committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
Knowledge, understanding and application of Federal and State employment laws.
Proficiency in financial analysis, modeling and budgeting.
Proficiency in data analytics and use of excel.
Experience in design, development, implementation and administration of benefits and retirement programs.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master’s degree.
8-10 years of relevant experience.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an
E-Verify
employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email
[email protected]
.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, *** (including pregnancy), age, ****** orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
American University
Department:
Total Rewards
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
Regular
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Director of Benefits & Retirement is responsible for the strategic development and management of comprehensive benefits, insurances, and retirement programs for the university. The Director will be responsible for providing competitive benefits programs (health & welfare, insurance, and retirement,) and support for 2,900 faculty, staff and retirees. The Director will also facilitate the development of the Annual Open Enrollment, Digital Transformation of the Total Rewards Department, Leave Administration, Tuition Remittance, and effective communication of Benefits Programs, and their evolution.
The Director provides overall leadership and direction for benefits planning and administration for university faculty, staff and retirees. They recommend policy, oversee the benefits operations, and directly manage benefits administration. The Director plans, negotiates and administers all University benefits and retirement programs and initiatives; develops long range and current planning proposals for budget; serves as contract liaison between insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, and consulting firms and university offices of procurement and finance; prepares and presents critical research and trend data and analyses on benefits; reviews and evaluates new and existing laws and regulations for benefits compliance; and designs and implements ongoing initiatives to enhance benefits at American University.
Essential Functions:
1.) Benefit Program Development and Oversight
Oversee the development and management of competitive benefits programs to include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx benefits; Basic Life, AD&D, Optional Life and additional Insurances; Leave Administration, Tuition Remittance, and effective communication of Benefits Programs to support equity, wellness and legal compliance.
Design and implement a comprehensive, data-driven benefits strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, and workforce needs.
Ensure the strategy remains competitive within the higher education industry and relevant labor markets to attract and retain top talent.
Regularly assess the effectiveness of benefits programs and market data, and recommend adjustments to address market trends, employee satisfaction, and budget considerations.
Oversee the education, communication and implementation of the annual benefits analysis process, engagement with the Benefits Advisory Project Team as well as the Benefits Working Group, the annual Open Enrollment and new Hire Enrollment processes and technologies and maintenance and access to benefits escalations and questions.
2.) Management of Benefit Programs
Manage and provide competitive benefits (health and welfare, wellness, and retirement) programs and support systems for faculty, staff and retirees.
Maintain effective communication with faculty and staff about benefits.
Provide overall leadership, direction and oversight for all university benefits planning and administration.
Recommend policy.
Plan, negotiate and administer all University benefits programs and initiatives.
Develop long range and current planning proposals, including budget impact.
Serve as liaison between carriers and university offices of procurement and finance on contracts and coverage with insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, compensation vendors, and consulting firms.
Prepare and present critical research and trend data and analyses on benefits.
Review, evaluate and ensure programs remain in compliance with new and existing laws and regulations and align with university policies.
Design and implement ongoing initiatives to enhance benefit offerings, ensure equity and effectively manage costs.
3.) Team Management
Manage, coach and develop subordinates for improved performance and job satisfaction.
Clearly articulate performance expectations, develop realistic, time-bound and measurable work plans with HR staff to accomplish goals.
Identify and support developmental opportunities of staff.
4.) Labor Relations
Provide support and participate in union negotiations.
5.) Human Resources Leadership
Serve as part of HR management team.
Provide strategic direction and mentorship to HR teams focused on compensation and benefits.
Partner with key stakeholders, including Finance, IT, and Legal, to support effective implementation and compliance.
6.) Strategy Development
Develop and implement strategies to effectively communicate total rewards programs and HR services to employees.
Collaborate with HR leadership and key stakeholders to ensure proper administration of total rewards programs and compliance.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Assistant Director, Health & Welfare.
Education Benefits and Compliance Coordinator.
Competencies:
Prioritizing and Organizing.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Managing Performance.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Developing Plans.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Building and Supporting Teams.
Managing Talent.
Building a Customer Focused Organization.
Driving Continuous Improvement.
Collaborative Leadership.
Leading and Inspiring People.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-Time.
35 hours per week.
Salary Range:
$100,000 - $140,000 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 8 years progressively responsible experience in benefits and retirement or equivalent in education, training and experience.
Proficiency in consultation skills, executive coaching, customer service skills, strategic communications, collaboration, interpersonal and management skills, committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
Knowledge, understanding and application of Federal and State employment laws.
Proficiency in financial analysis, modeling and budgeting.
Proficiency in data analytics and use of excel.
Experience in design, development, implementation and administration of benefits and retirement programs.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master’s degree.
8-10 years of relevant experience.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an
E-Verify
employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email
[email protected]
.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, *** (including pregnancy), age, ****** orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Director, Employee Benefits and Retirement position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Washington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
