Associate Director, Benefits Strategy & Programs

Benefits

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Benefits Strategy & Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for the University of Missouri's comprehensive benefits programs, serving a large and diverse population of employees, retirees, beneficiaries, and dependents across all campuses and the health system.

This role leads people, projects, and processes within the Benefits team, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, customer centric service delivery, compliance, and project execution. The Associate Director plays a key role in benefits strategy, vendor partnerships, RFP processes, and executive level communication to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.
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Key Responsibilities

Benefits Project Leadership, RFPs & Strategic Initiatives (40%)

• Lead and serve on complex, cross functional projects, including upcoming Requests for Proposal (RFPs), vendor evaluations, and benefit program implementations.
• Apply a structured, project management and process driven approach to ensure timely delivery, quality outcomes, and clear communication to leaders, team members, and business partners.
• Partner with the Director to identify, develop, and implement benefit strategies; analyze cost and value propositions; and recommend innovative solutions aligned with industry trends, benchmarking data, and best practices.

Benefits Leadership & Team Management (30%)

• Serve as a department leader within the employee benefits function, providing coaching, performance feedback, supervision, and professional development for team members.
• Foster a collaborative, high performing, and customer centric team culture focused on meeting the needs of employees, retirees, and benefit holders.
• Oversee the administration of health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and related billing and auditing activities.

Benefits Vendor Management & Business Partnerships (10%)

• Support relationship development, contract maintenance, and program implementation with benefit vendors and consultants.
• Monitor vendor performance, service delivery, and contract compliance to ensure quality, cost effectiveness, and positive partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with internal business partners and Centers of Excellence to support organizational goals related to recruitment, retention, and employee experience.

Process Improvement & Compliance (10%)

• Lead continuous process improvement efforts, ensuring standardized, efficient, and customer focused benefits operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and related requirements.
• Maintain a strong compliance mindset while balancing operational efficiency and customer service.

Communication, Customer Service & Executive Support (10%)

• Develop and deliver effective benefits communication strategies to educate and engage employees and leaders.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or sensitive benefits issues, using strong customer service and de escalation skills to resolve concerns and maintain trust.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations and materials (e.g., PowerPoint) to executive leaders and stakeholders, translating complex benefits and compliance information into actionable insights.

As with all positions, other duties and responsibilities may be assigned to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Experience leading benefits programs, projects, or RFP processes in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience supporting or advising leaders and business partners.
• Proven customer service and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to handle escalated or sensitive employee issues.
• Analytical and problem solving skills; proficiency with Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP) preferred.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar HR systems.
• Familiarity with university systems, policies, or a similarly complex organizational environment.
  

Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 012

University Title: Associate Director Human Resources

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Cover letter and resume

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.