Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Director, Benefits

Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, wellbeing strategy, and Total Rewards.
  • At least 5 years in a significant leadership role.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience leveraging data analytics, market insights, and AI.
  • Deep expertise in benefits laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, SECURE Act).
  • Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Certifications like Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) are desired.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute a multi-year benefits strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Leverage market insights and data analytics to innovate program design.
  • Lead the continuous improvement of benefit programs focused on associate wellbeing.
  • Oversee vendor strategy, including selection and performance management.
  • Manage benefits budget and conduct annual renewals with financial analysis.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing benefits team for operational excellence.
  • Develop a communication strategy to enhance associate understanding of benefits.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off and medical/dental/vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan offered to eligible employees.
  • Suite of well-being benefits available to support employee health.
  • Hybrid work schedule available for improved work-life balance.
Full Job Description
About the Role:

We are seeking a forward-thinking Director, Benefits to redefine and lead our comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director, Total Rewards, this pivotal role will drive the evolution of our offerings through continuous innovation, deep market insights, and AI-enabled technology. You will be responsible for the strategic direction, design, and governance of our entire portfolio, encompassing health, welfare, retirement, and holistic wellbeing programs. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who balances long-term vision with operational excellence, utilizing data analytics to build modern, highly engaging associate experiences.

Your Day to Day

Strategic Leadership & Innovation: Define and execute a multi-year benefits and wellbeing strategy that aligns with our Total Rewards philosophy and broader business objectives. Proactively leverage market insights, data analytics, and AI tools to drive innovation in program design, ensuring our offerings remain highly competitive and meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

Data-Driven Program Design & Management: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all benefit programs with a central focus on associate wellbeing. Utilize data-driven insights to curate physical, mental, and financial wellbeing initiatives that foster a healthy, engaged, and productive workplace culture.

Vendor & Financial Oversight: Oversee benefits vendor strategy, including selection, contract negotiation, and performance management to maximize service quality, innovation, and value. Manage the benefits budget, conduct annual renewals, and provide financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership: Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team focused on continuous improvement, agility, and operational excellence. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while partnering seamlessly with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure compliant, efficient program delivery.

Communication & Engagement: Architect a comprehensive, modernized communication strategy that leverages new technologies and AI to ensure associates understand and appreciate the full value of their benefits. Champion initiatives that drive engagement and utilization, creating a world-class, personalized benefits and wellbeing experience.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties.

We're Looking for:

Strong financial acumen with demonstrable experience leveraging data analytics, market insights, and AI to drive business decisions, optimize costs, and improve program outcomes.

Proven success designing and managing innovative, competitive benefits and wellbeing programs in a complex organization.

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors and executive leadership.

Deep expertise in benefits laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, SECURE Act).

Required or desired certifications include Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or similar licensures.

What You Bring:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, wellbeing strategy, and Total Rewards, with at least 5 years in a significant leadership role.

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Minimum Education Requirements:

High school degree or equivalent required unless otherwise noted above

Location
BostonTime Type
Full time

Salary Range: $189,360.00 - $231,440.00

The job posting range is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs and affordability.

This job is also eligible for variable pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and a suite of well-being benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) is a state licensed private health insurance company under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with headquarters in Boston. It is the largest health plan in Massachusetts, serving 2.8 million members. BCBSMA is committed to providing access to high-quality, affordable health care to help improve the health and well-being of its members and the communities it serves.
Learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Size
3,700 employees
Industry
Founded
1937

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