Executive Benefits & Wellbeing Strategy Leader

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Two-for-one retirement matching

Comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services seeks an executive to lead employee benefits and wellbeing strategies in a hybrid Ann Arbor setting. You will guide health plans, behavioral health services, and wellness programs, ensuring cost discipline and strategic alignment with institutional priorities.

You will oversee multi-billion-dollar benefits operations, advise senior leadership, and drive scalable program design, vendor management, and compliance across HIPAA, ERISA, and

Qualifications

• 12+ years related benefit plan management experience including plan implementation and design, systems/enrollment, rate methodology, and RFP development.
• 6+ years formal supervision of employees including workforce planning, recruiting, professional development, performance management, and succession planning.
• Deep knowledge in benefit eligibility and enrollment file requirements to support plans; expert knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing benefits (HIPAA, ERISA, IRS).

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the long-term strategy for health, dental, retirement, prescription drug, behavioral health, and well-being plans and programs.
• Advise university executive leadership and governance committees on benefit trends, cost projections, legislative developments, workforce well-being, and strategic risks.
• Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance to the Benefits Administration Office, MHealthy, and Behavioral Health services.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, coaching, performance management, professional development, and succession planning for the benefits team.
• Align benefits and well-being priorities and goals with the University Human Resources strategic plan and broader institutional goals.
• Lead organizational change and build clear, consistent, and scalable structures, processes, and service models.
• Direct annual rate negotiations, budget allocations, procurement activities, and vendor contracts totaling more than $1 billion annually.
• Approve benefit plan design, coverage interpretations, eligibility and enrollment policies, administrative procedures, and vendor agreements.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and implementation partners, including oversight of eligibility and enrollment file requirements.
• Partner with Michigan Medicine and other stakeholders on the design and operation of the university's self-funded health plans.
• Maintain accountability for compliance with federal and state requirements, including HIPAA, ERISA, IRS, COBRA, Department of Labor, CMS, and related regulations.
• Ensure benefit offerings and rates comply with collective bargaining agreements and oversee responses to audits, FOIA requests, and subpoenas.
• Be the HIPAA Privacy Delegate for benefits-related operations and guide privacy, security access, and compliance activities across partner teams.
• Lead complex, campus-wide plan implementations, design changes, vendor integrations, enterprise resource planning initiatives, technology enhancements, and artificial intelligence strategies.
• Form and lead cross-functional workgroups responsible for implementing and communicating new products, rates, and plan changes.
• Oversee official plan documents, summary plan descriptions, university-wide benefit publications, training, educational events, and outreach campaigns.
• Represent University Human Resources on key institutional committees and serve as an executive liaison to faculty, staff, retiree, and benefits advisory groups.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services seeks an executive to lead employee benefits and wellbeing strategies in a hybrid Ann Arbor setting. You will guide health plans, behavioral health services, and wellness programs, ensuring cost discipline and strategic alignment with institutional priorities.

You will oversee multi-billion-dollar benefits operations, advise senior leadership, and drive scalable program design, vendor management, and compliance across HIPAA, ERISA, and