Director of Benefits

Widener University is currently seeking a Director of Benefits in the Office of Human Resources. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, the Director of Benefits is responsible for strategic planning, implementation, oversight, regulatory compliance, evaluation and communication of the University's benefit programs. The incumbent will serve on the Human Resources leadership team and serve as a consultative partner for all areas of HR. This role collaborates in the development, recommendation, and implementation of approved, new, or modified plans and employee benefit policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and management of all health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs, including 403(b) plans, self-insured medical, dental, life, disability, HSAs, FSAs, and work/life services.
• Evaluate and enhance benefits offerings by analyzing plan performance, aligning with institutional goals, and implementing improvements to maximize value and effectiveness.
• Administer post-retirement benefit programs, including defined benefit and VEBA (Post-Retirement HRA) plans, and manage the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program.
• Administer tuition assistance and remission programs in accordance with university policy.

Team & Vendor Management

• Supervise and support the benefits team in the daily administration of benefit programs, ensuring efficient operations and a positive employee experience.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and third-party administrators; prepare and review proposals, contract negotiations, and service agreements to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ADA, FLSA); conduct audits and maintain accurate and up-to-date plan documentation.
• Lead the ADA accommodation process, ensuring compliance through interactive dialogue, documentation, and timely follow-up.
• Manage the workers' compensation program, including compliance postings, case oversight, and proactive safety initiatives to reduce risk and liability.
• Serve as the lead HR contact for audits and compliance reporting, including benefit plan audits, non-discrimination testing, and the annual IPEDS report.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes and best practices to support compliance and inform HR policy development.
• Prepare and present quarterly compliance reports to the Board of Trustees.

Financial Management

• Partner with Finance to develop and monitor the university's benefits budget.
• Lead quarterly reviews of self-funded plan performance with brokers and internal stakeholders.

Policy Development & Institutional Support

• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies and programs that support university operations and strategic goals.
• Collaborate across departments to support institutional initiatives and ensure alignment of HR practices.
• Participate in or lead committees, task forces, and project teams to advance university priorities.

Communication, Training & Research

• Develop and maintain clear, compliant communication materials, including manuals, forms, and reports; regularly review and update standard documents.
• Facilitate individual and group information sessions on benefits and compliance topics.
• Conduct research on emerging trends and best practices in employee benefits and regulatory compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively working with benefits administration.
• Evidence of leading benefits strategy/administration function.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulatory processes related to the benefits.
• Demonstrated ability to support strategic objectives.
• Experience with HR systems like Ellucian Colleague and strong knowledge of MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and partner across the University.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Human Resources or related field
• Excellent analytical, relationship building, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Certified Employee Benefits Certification or SHRM certification.
• Knowledge of benefits best practices - understands the depth/breadth of complex HR issues.
• Self-starter who knows when to validate approach and ask for help.
• Proficient in the use of information systems, query tools.
• Experience managing equity benefit programs.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D