Human Resources Director & Benefits Administrator (DOT Executive VI)

Maryland Department of Transportation; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Director to lead innovative HR strategies. This managerial role involves overseeing benefits administration, ensuring compliance with policies, and supporting a diverse workforce of nearly 3,400 employees. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in talent management and benefits administration, along with strong leadership skills. Join a team dedicated to connecting Maryland residents with vital services and enhancing the employee experience in a collaborative environment. This position may allow for a hybrid work schedule, providing flexibility while serving the community.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Telework options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in a senior-level HR position.
• 5 years in Talent Management or Senior HR Business Partner roles.

Responsibilities

• Establish and administer HR policies and programs.
• Manage health and retirement benefits for employees and retirees.

Skills

Talent Management

Benefits Administration

Strategic Planning

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Job description

Open Recruitment

Open Until Filled

Executive Service Position

(This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority)

If you have ever taken a flight from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; renewed your Maryland driver’s license; traveled to an Orioles game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside assistance from CHART Emergency Patrol; reduced your commute time by using one of Maryland’s toll roads; or applied for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, then you have experienced some of the superb services provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission—connecting our customers to life’s opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses!

The Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) is seeking to hire a managerial-level human resources professional to serve as the Human Resources Director & Benefits Administrator (DOT Executive VI). As Human Resources Director & Benefits Administrator, you will establish, implement, and administer policies and programs that help attract, engage, reward, support, and retain the talent needed to execute MDOT MTA’s mission. This role is also responsible for the day-to-day administration of benefits plans, including responding to inquiries, processing enrollments and changes, managing leave, and processing life insurance claims. The incumbent will also ensure timely and accurate pension estimates and calculations are prepared for retirees and that retirees are well educated on payment options, beneficiary options, and payment processes. This position also monitors and analyzes the cost of benefits plans to the organization, reviews funding methods, and recommends strategies to address risk.

In this dynamic role, you will:

Strategy & Direction

• Set strategies and tactics to deliver appropriate Human Resources (HR) services that align with organizational priorities.
• Support a total workforce of nearly 3,400 active employees with roughly 700 governed by Transportation Service Human Resources System (TSHRS) policies and practices and another 2,700 represented by four different unions with separate collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits Administration

• Manage health, welfare, and retirement benefits for nearly 3,400 active employees and more than 2,000 retirees and survivors along with their dependents. This includes medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life insurance, and pension plans that are self-funded and managed by MDOT MTA.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, along with review and approval of invoices for health benefits, which is roughly $70M per year. It also includes agency coordination of health, leave, and retirement benefit enrollments and services for employees with coverage through the State.
• Manage and enhance employee benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals.

Department Management

• Ensure compliance with TSHRS policies and procedures, terms of four different collective bargaining agreements, and applicable regulations.
• Support employees and provide overall direction to departments with 20 managers and staff across sections including recruitment and examinations, employee services, classification and compensation, and benefits.

The vacancy exists at MDOT MTA in the Office of Human Resources, located in Baltimore, MD (Baltimore City).

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is a division of the Maryland Department of Transportation and one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MTA operates Local Buses (CityLink and LocalLink), Commuter Buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train Service, and a comprehensive Paratransit (MobilityLink) system. MTA also manages the Taxi Access system and directs funding and statewide assistance to Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) in Maryland's 23 counties, Baltimore City, Annapolis, and Ocean City. The MTA’s mission is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service.

This position may allow a hybrid work schedule, including telework and on-site work hours.

MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here: MDOT Benefits

Preferred Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience: Seven (7) years of experience in a senior-level HR position, including five (5) years in Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, or Senior HR Business Partner roles. Four (4) of the required years must include Benefits Administration experience involving Pension Funds.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least two (2) years of experience working in the Federal or State Government.
• Leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to make effective decisions quickly, using strong decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• A desire to lead and develop a team of Human Resources Professionals.
• Working knowledge of benefits administration in a unionized environment.
• Experience in a governmental setting.
• Familiarity with processing benefit and pension plans.

Note: U.S. Armed Forces military service experience, as defined under the Minimum Qualifications, may be substituted for the required education and experience on a year-for-year basis.

Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application; therefore, you must provide complete and accurate information. Please include all relevant experience on your application, including full or part-time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other relevant experience. If you have held more than one position at the same employer, please list each position and the duration.

TO APPLY: You must complete an MDOT employment application (DTS-1) online to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. You must list all information in the online DTS-1 form to receive credit for your work history and credentials. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to background and reference checks.

You may apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd.

Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please notify in advance. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Maryland Department of Transportation is not sponsoring new employees for H-1B Visa applications or extensions at this time due to budget constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Sponsorship fees are the responsibility of the employer, and H-1B Visa candidates cannot pay sponsorship fees.

Applicants with education obtained outside the U.S. must provide proof of U.S. educational equivalency via a credential evaluation service such as NACES (http://www.naces.org) or WES (https://www.wes.org/).

The incumbent in this position will not be a member of a covered bargaining unit.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MDOT does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Issued Date: 4/10/2025

The purpose of the supplemental questions below is to evaluate your experience and education further to determine your eligibility. Please answer each question thoroughly, ensuring your experience matches your work history.