Director, Benefits

bcbsma; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Suite of wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA in Boston is seeking a Director, Benefits to redefine our comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, this role will drive innovation and governance across health, welfare, retirement, and holistic wellbeing programs.

You will lead multi-year strategy, vendor oversight, and a cross-functional team, using data analytics and AI to deliver a modern, engaging associate experience and responsible program delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong financial acumen with data analytics and AI to drive decisions.
• Proven success designing and managing innovative benefits programs.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in benefits laws and regulations (ERISA/ACA/HIPAA).
• Certifications such as CEBS or CBP are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi-year benefits and wellbeing strategy aligned with Total Rewards.
• Lead design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all benefit programs.
• Oversee vendor strategy, contracts, performance, and budget management.
• Build and develop a high-performing benefits team and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, IT.
• Architect a modern communication strategy leveraging AI to boost engagement.

Skills

Financial acumen

Data analytics

AI tools

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Ready to help us transform healthcare? Bring your true colors to blue.

This role is eligible for our FLEX persona and candidates are expected to be in our Boston or Hingham location on Tuesday and Wednesday each week.

About the Role

We are seeking a forward-thinking Director, Benefits to redefine and lead our comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, this pivotal role will drive the evolution of our offerings through continuous innovation, deep market insights, and AI-enabled technology. You will be responsible for the strategic direction, design, and governance of our entire portfolio, encompassing health, welfare, retirement, and holistic wellbeing programs. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who balances long-term vision with operational excellence, utilizing data analytics to build modern, highly engaging associate experiences.

Your Day to Day

Strategic Leadership & Innovation: Define and execute a multi-year benefits and wellbeing strategy that aligns with our Total Rewards philosophy and broader business objectives. Proactively leverage market insights, data analytics, and AI tools to drive innovation in program design, ensuring our offerings remain highly competitive and meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

Data-Driven Program Design & Management: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all benefit programs with a central focus on associate wellbeing. Utilize data-driven insights to curate physical, mental, and financial wellbeing initiatives that foster a healthy, engaged, and productive workplace culture.

Vendor & Financial Oversight: Oversee benefits vendor strategy, including selection, contract negotiation, and performance management to maximize service quality, innovation, and value. Manage the benefits budget, conduct annual renewals, and provide financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership: Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement, agility, and operational excellence. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while partnering seamlessly with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure compliant, efficient program delivery.

Communication & Engagement: Architect a comprehensive, modernized communication strategy that leverages new technologies and AI to ensure associates understand and appreciate the full value of their benefits. Champion initiatives that drive engagement and utilization, creating a world-class, personalized benefits and wellbeing experience.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties.

We’re Looking for

Strong financial acumen with demonstrable experience leveraging data analytics, market insights, and AI to drive business decisions, optimize costs, and improve program outcomes.

Proven success designing and managing innovative, competitive benefits and wellbeing programs in a complex organization.

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors and executive leadership.

Deep expertise in benefits laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, SECURE Act).

Required or desired certifications include Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or similar licensures.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, wellbeing strategy, and Total Rewards, with at least 5 years in a significant leadership role.

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Minimum Education Requirements

High school degree or equivalent required unless otherwise noted above

Location

Boston

Time Type

Full time

Salary Range: $189,360.00 - $231,440.00

The job posting range is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs and affordability.

This job is also eligible for variable pay.

• Paid time off
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Suite of wellbeing benefits to eligible employees

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

We’re Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA?

As an employer, we are committed to investing in your development and providing the necessary resources to enable your success.

We believe in wellness and that work/life balance is a key part of associate wellbeing.