Director of Benefits and Wellness
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rochester, NY
- $150,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Serve as a strategic member of the Human Resources leadership team, contributing to short- and long-term planning and budgeting aligned with RIT's goals.
- Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive benefits programs for employees and retirees, including medical, dental, life, disability, leave, tuition, and retirement plans.
- Proactively monitor and analyze evolving benefits market trends, legislative developments, and regulatory changes to guide strategic program enhancements.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local laws by translating complex legal requirements into actionable policies and procedures that support organizational goals and employee well-being
- Ensure accurate and compliant benefits administration through regular audits of vendor billing, benefit deductions, and expenditures; maintain strong vendor relationships and evaluate plan design and cost options.
- Oversee voluntary benefit offerings (e.g., legal and vision) and issue timely annual benefit statements to faculty and staff.
- Manage the institution's 403(b) retirement plan, including supporting the annual audit and serving on the Retirement Savings Plan Investment Committee.
- Direct annual benefits renewals and strategic planning with brokers and providers, exploring new programs, vendors, and plan design enhancements.
- Oversee vendor management and contract negotiations for FSA, HSA, COBRA, retirement planning, and other outsourced services.
- Develop and implement a multi-channel communication strategy to keep faculty and staff informed about benefits and wellness programs.
- Lead and develop a team of benefits, leave, and wellness professionals to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Collaborate on new hire orientation and onboarding to introduce employees to the university's mission, culture, and rewards programs.
- Build and maintain professional networks through active participation in community, business, and industry organizations.
equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.
RIT does not discriminate. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring,
admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.Required Minimum Education LevelBA, BSHow To ApplyThe Director of Benefits and Wellness is a full-time, permanent position based on-site in Rochester, NY, with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule. The University offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. The expected salary range for this role begins at $150,000. The starting base salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, market, and organizational considerations.In order to be considered for this position, please apply for it at: . Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.
Rebecca Kennedy, Partner (she/her)
Lehman Robinson, Associate (he/him)
Cortnee Bollard, Senior Search Coordinator (they/them)Required QualificationsThe successful candidate will bring a demonstrated track record of operational success in leading various HR functions. While no single candidate will have all of the qualifications, the search committee seeks candidates with a well-rounded combination of the following abilities:
- Bachelor's degree and at least eight years of progressively responsible experience, including four years of experience in a supervisory or management role.
- Current knowledge of labor and employment law, particularly employee benefits laws and regulations.
- Deep understanding of and experience with contemporary benefits and wellness strategies and programs.
- Must possess the ability to interpret complex information, distill key insights, and communicate them clearly to stakeholders across functions to support sound decision-making.
- Master's degree and/or CEBS, SHRM, or HRCI certifications preferred.
- Previous experience in higher education.
- Proficient in ERP systems, preferably Workday, with a deep understanding of benefits modules and data integration.
- Proven experience designing and implementing systems and processes.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing large-scale HR programs.
- Experience in a self-funded benefits environment.
- Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.
- Commitment to shared governance principles.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to resolve complex issues with clarity, integrity, and respect.
- Strong customer service orientation, with excellent organizational and prioritization skills.