Director, Benefits & Retirement Programs

phsorg; United States; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) seeks a strategic, analytical leader to serve as Director, Benefits & Retirement Programs. This enterprise role designs, administers, and enhances a comprehensive benefits strategy to attract, retain, and engage a diverse workforce across clinical, operational, and corporate functions.

The Director oversees health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave, and income protection, while ensuring compliance and financial stewardship.

Job description

Location Address:
9521 San Mateo NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113-2237

Summary: Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) seeks a strategic, analytical, and service-oriented leader to serve as its next Director, Benefits & Retirement Programs. This enterprise leadership role is responsible for designing, administering, and continuously enhancing a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports Presbyterian's ability to attract, retain, and engage a highly diverse workforce across clinical, operational, and corporate functions. Provides executive oversight for enterprise leave administration programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability management, and return-to-work processes.

As healthcare organizations face increasing workforce competition, rising healthcare costs, evolving regulatory requirements, and changing employee expectations, Presbyterian is seeking a leader who can balance strategic planning with operational excellence.

The Director will oversee health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave and income protection programs, wellness initiatives, and family support benefits while ensuring compliance, financial stewardship, and a positive employee experience.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to Human Resources leadership and executive stakeholders, leveraging market intelligence, workforce analytics, vendor partnerships, and benefits innovation to deliver competitive and sustainable programs that support Presbyterian's mission and workforce goals.

Work Arrangement

• Remote: Open to applicants in the United States, excluding IL, ND, NY, WA, and WY.
• Hybrid (Strongly Preferred): For individuals within 60 miles of Albuquerque, in-office presence is required Tuesday through Thursday.

Job Description

Benefits Strategy & Program Design

Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports workforce attraction, retention, engagement, and well-being.

Evaluate market trends, workforce demographics, and organizational needs to recommend enhancements to benefits programs.

Lead design and administration of: Medical, dental, and vision plans Wellness programs Retirement and pension programs Paid time off programs Leave benefits Income protection programs Family support and work-life programs

Ensure benefit offerings remain competitive within healthcare and broader labor markets.

Retirement & Pension Administration

Provide oversight for retirement, pension, and deferred compensation programs.

Partner with actuaries and consultants to ensure accurate pension liability calculations and funding requirements.

Support pension audits and actuarial valuations.

Monitor retirement plan performance and regulatory compliance.

Recommend plan enhancements that support workforce and organizational objectives.

Vendor Management & Contract Administration

Lead negotiations and ongoing management of benefit vendors, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators.

Ensure service agreements achieve quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness objectives.

Monitor vendor performance and hold vendors accountable to established service levels.

Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and improved employee experience.

Financial Stewardship & Cost Management

Analyze benefit utilization, participation, claims activity, and market trends.

Develop recommendations regarding plan design, funding strategies, and employer/employee cost-sharing models.

Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources while maintaining competitive benefit offerings.

Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities associated with benefits programs.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements governing employee benefit plans.

Oversee preparation and filing of: ERISA plan documentation Form 5500 filings Summary Plan Descriptions Summary Annual Reports Retirement plan compliance documentation Required Board actions and amendments.

Ensure compliance testing and audits are completed accurately and timely.

Maintain readiness for regulatory reviews and audits.

Employee Communication & Experience

Develop communication strategies that increase employee understanding and appreciation of benefits offerings.

Create effective benefit education programs, materials, enrollment communications, and retirement planning resources.

Oversee employee benefit statements, informational sessions, and financial wellness programs.

Enhance the employee experience through clear communication and responsive support services.

Technology & Process Improvement

Lead continuous improvement of benefits administration systems, processes, and workflows.

Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, and operational efficiency.

Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and Technology teams to optimize benefits administration platforms.

Utilize data and analytics to improve decision-making and service delivery.

Leadership & Talent Developm