Director, Employee Benefits & Wellbeing

Position Summary

The Director, Benefits & Wellbeing provides strategic leadership and hands-on execution of the University’s employee benefits and wellbeing programs, including healthcare, pharmacy, retirement, and holistic wellbeing initiatives. This role is responsible for assessing, designing, and delivering programs that support employee health, financial security, and overall wellbeing while ensuring fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance.

Operating as both a strategist and practitioner, the Director works closely with employees, leadership, and external partners to ensure programs are competitive, accessible, and aligned with institutional priorities. This role plays a highly visible, campus-facing role, leading employee education, chairing the University Benefits Advisory Council, and directly supporting employees in navigating benefit offerings.

This position reports to the Vice President & CHRO and does not have direct reports.

Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.

Principal Accountabilities

Key Responsibilities

Benefits & Wellbeing Strategy (Assessment, Design, Deployment)

• Lead the ongoing assessment of benefits programs, including healthcare, pharmacy, retirement, and wellbeing, to ensure competitiveness and alignment with institutional goals.
• Design and implement forward-looking strategies that balance employee experience, cost management, and compliance.
• Monitor industry trends, utilization data, and regulatory changes to inform program enhancements.
• Contribute to the development of a broader employee value proposition through benefits and wellbeing offerings.

Benefits & Retirement Program Leadership

• Oversee the design, administration, and evaluation of group insurance, pharmacy benefits, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits.
• Manage vendor relationships, brokers, and consultants to ensure high-quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead annual benefits planning and open enrollment strategy, including communications and decision-support tools.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA).
• Analyze utilization and claims data to inform plan design and cost containment strategies.

Wellbeing Strategy & Employee Experience

• Develop and lead a comprehensive employee wellbeing strategy that includes physical, emotional, financial, and work-life wellbeing.
• Partner with campus stakeholders to integrate wellbeing into the broader employee experience and organizational culture.
• Design and deliver programs that promote prevention, engagement, and overall quality of life for employees.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of wellbeing initiatives through participation and outcome metrics.

Employee Engagement & Education (Highly Tactical Component)

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits, providing high-touch support and guidance.
• Chair and lead the University Benefits Advisory Council, incorporating employee voice into program design and decision-making.
• Plan and execute benefits fairs, open enrollment sessions, and “lunch and learn” programs.
• Develop clear, accessible communication strategies that improve understanding and utilization of benefits.
• Promote wellbeing initiatives through targeted outreach and programming.

Operations, Compliance & Analytics

• Ensure accurate and compliant administration of all benefits and wellbeing programs.
• Partner with HRIS, payroll, and finance to ensure seamless integration and data accuracy.
• Develop and monitor key metrics (e.g., participation, cost trends, employee satisfaction, wellbeing outcomes).
• Support audits, reporting, and regulatory filings.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CEBS) preferred.
• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in human resources. Benefits and/or total rewards, with deep expertise in benefits strategy and administration preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing healthcare, pharmacy, and retirement programs.
• Experience developing or leading wellbeing initiatives or programs.
• Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to execute tactically.
• Deep knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication skills, particularly in simplifying complex benefits information.
• High level of service orientation and responsiveness to employee needs.
• Ability to build trust and credibility across diverse employee populations.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and solutions-oriented approach.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment with periodic extended hours during open enrollment and planning cycles.
• Minimal travel required.
• Reasonable accommodations available to support accessibility needs.

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.

Posting Number: STA02786

Work Hours

Standard Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Open Until Filled: Yes

Tagged as: Employment