Strategic Director, Benefits & Wellbeing

Hornets-Basketball-LLC; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Director of Benefits & Wellbeing at Hornets Sports & Entertainment will lead the strategic design, implementation, and administration of the organization's benefits and wellbeing programs, reporting to the Senior VP of People Strategy. This role aims to deliver competitive programs that engage employees and support organizational performance.

You will oversee benefits operations, ensure compliance with ERISA/ACA/COBRA/HIPAA/FMLA, manage the Benefits Manager, and collaborate with Finance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in benefits, total rewards or human resources, including leadership responsibilities.
• Deep knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, compliance and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA and other benefits-related regulations.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, benefit renewals and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing wellbeing and wellness initiatives.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret benefits data, trends and reporting.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage employees, executives, and external partners.
• Proven ability to influence decision-making and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and organizational information.
• High level of adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and events as required within a professional sports environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy aligned with organizational goals and employee needs.
• Oversee the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, voluntary benefits and leave programs.
• Evaluate and recommend benefit plan enhancements to maintain market competitiveness and support talent attraction and retention efforts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits and wellbeing programs, providing education, guidance, and support on plan offerings, eligibility, enrollment, claims issues, and program resources while ensuring a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
• Lead annual benefits planning, renewal, enrollment and communication processes.
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, carriers, wellness vendors and third-party administrators.
• Monitor benefits utilization, trends, and costs; provide analysis and recommendations to leadership regarding plan performance and cost management.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA and other related legislation.
• Design, implement, and promote employee wellbeing initiatives focused on physical, mental, emotional and financial wellness.
• Develop employee communication strategies and educational resources to improve understanding and utilization of benefits programs.
• Partner with Finance and HR leadership on budgeting, forecasting and financial management of benefit programs.
• Utilize data and employee feedback to assess program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations and performance evaluations.
• Supervise, coach, and develop the Benefits Manager, fostering professional growth and operational excellence.
• Support organizational and NBA initiatives related to employee engagement, total rewards, culture and workforce wellbeing.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive employee information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Benefits design

ERISA/ACA knowledge

Vendor management

Wellbeing initiatives

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/Finance

Job description

The Director of Benefits & Wellbeing at Hornets Sports & Entertainment will lead the strategic design, implementation, and administration of the organization's benefits and wellbeing programs, reporting to the Senior VP of People Strategy. This role aims to deliver competitive programs that engage employees and support organizational performance.

You will oversee benefits operations, ensure compliance with ERISA/ACA/COBRA/HIPAA/FMLA, manage the Benefits Manager, and collaborate with Finance,