Director, Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 189,360 - 231,440; Full time

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is seeking a forward-thinking Director, Benefits to redefine our benefits and wellbeing strategy. You will lead the portfolio across health, welfare, retirement, and holistic wellbeing, aligning with Total Rewards and using data analytics and AI to drive innovation.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, you will shape strategic direction, governance, and engaging associate experiences with a focus on operational excellence and data-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and Total Rewards.
• 5+ years in a significant leadership role.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills; executive presence.
• Certifications CEBS or CBP or similar licensure are preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi-year benefits and wellbeing strategy leveraging data analytics and AI.
• Lead design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all benefit programs focusing on associate wellbeing.
• Oversee vendor strategy, negotiations, and budget management.
• Build and mentor a high-performing benefits team and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT.
• Develop a modern communication strategy to educate associates on the value of benefits and drive engagement.

Skills

Financial acumen

Data analytics

AI in benefits

Negotiation

Executive presence

ERISA knowledge

HIPAA knowledge

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.

Minimum Education Requirements

High school degree or equivalent required unless otherwise noted above

Location

Boston

Time Type

Full time

Salary Range

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.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and a suite of well‑being 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.

WHY Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA?

We understand that the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can prevent amazing candidates coming our way. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be brilliant. We encourage you to bring us your true colors, , your perspectives, and your experiences. It’s in our differences that we will remain relentless in our pursuit to transform healthcare for ALL. As an employer, we are committed to investing in your development and providing the necessary resources to enable your success. Learn how we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and rewarding workplace that promotes excellence and provides opportunities for employees to forge their unique career path by visiting our Company Culture page. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, we believe in wellness and that work/life balance is a key part of associate wellbeing. For more information on how we work and support that work/life balance visit our "How We Work" Page.