Benefits Strategy Director — Healthcare & Higher Ed

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Senior Director of Benefits to lead a 15-member team and shape the institution's benefits strategy across health, retirement, and leave programs.

You will partner with Finance, HR, Legal, Workday HRIS, and external vendors to ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective programs. The role blends strategic oversight with operational execution in a dynamic, healthcare and higher education environment, driving governance and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field.
• 10 years of experience with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity leading the development of a complex, integrated and strategic benefits program in a healthcare, or corporate environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evolution of the benefits strategy, governance framework, and market benchmarking.
• Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leaves).
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and long-range cost projections; develop dashboards and KPIs for leadership insight.
• Oversee benefits communication and employee education to drive understanding and utilization.
• Mentor a team of 15 benefits professionals and ensure high-quality service and governance.
• Lead vendor evaluation, ensure SLAs, and maintain compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related laws.
• Support governance via Retirement Plans Committee and Benefits Plans Appeal Committee; Secretary for Compensation and Benefits Committee.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Benefits

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Senior Director of Benefits to lead a 15-member team and shape the institution's benefits strategy across health, retirement, and leave programs.

You will partner with Finance, HR, Legal, Workday HRIS, and external vendors to ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective programs. The role blends strategic oversight with operational execution in a dynamic, healthcare and higher education environment, driving governance and continuous