Assistant Director - Benefits

Campus/College Information:Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:The University of Maryland seeks a dynamic and transformational leader to join the University’s Human Resources department. The Assistant Director of Benefits will oversee the planning and implementation of benefits programs and services for faculty, staff, and retirees. Although the State of Maryland selects and administers health and other insurance benefits, we seek an innovative leader who will creatively communicate existing benefits and educate over 14,000 benefit-eligible faculty and staff on benefit options. In addition, the Assistant Director will lead the transformation of internal processes to ensure compassion and quality service to our employees. The Assistant Director leads and/or establishes campus-specific benefits programs, workshops, trainings, and initiatives. The Assistant Director will provide hands-on leadership to a professional team of Benefits Service Counselors who provide one-on-one counseling to employees during their employment life cycle up to retirement. In this role, the Assistant Director interprets, monitors, and communicates federal and state guidelines and USM policies and procedures to ensure Benefits compliance. This position serves as a member of the University System of Maryland Benefits Committee and meets with other USM schools to discuss policy, program administration, and system-wide initiatives. This role serves as the Campus leader for Retirement plans, Health Benefits, Tuition Remission, Family Care, and other health and wellness programs. The incumbent will develop relationships with key State of Maryland and USM leaders as well as departmental HR leaders.

Minimum Qualifications:Education (including licenses, certification, etc.):Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience:Seven (7) years of professional human resources experience in benefits or retirement and two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.Ability to coach, lead, mentor, and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.Strong customer service focus.Ability to foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment.Ability to gather and analyze statistical data/metrics and create reports and presentations.Ability to plan, evaluate, and execute programs.Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues in lay terms.Proven experience building cohesive teams.Strategic capacity and ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions to complex issues.Knowledge and understanding of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans.Knowledge of Federal, State, and IRS regulations related to health and retirement plansExcellent attention to detail and follow-up.

Preferences:A Master’s degree.Five (5) years or more of leadership experience is preferred.Comprehensive knowledge of defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans and health & wellness plans.Experience working in a state or government unit with pension plans may be given preference.