Director, Employee Benefits – Wellstar Health System

Remote leadership role with occasional onsite presence required, typically once or twice per year. The Director, Benefits works remotely and reports to the Executive Director Benefits and provides operational management for all medical health and welfare benefit programs for employees and retirees of WellStar Health System. The role partners with Total Rewards Executive Leaders to administer, communicate and deliver all benefit plans and programs including health and welfare, retirement, pension, FMLA and all other benefits made available to over 20,000 WellStar employees across 11 Hospitals and more than 100 office locations. This position provides guidance to locations on various employee benefit plans and brings subject matter expertise in ADA and FMLA to enhance processes. The incumbent leads the benefits team and serves as a resource to Human Resources leadership and consultants across the System.

During a key time at WellStar, this role supports the benefits harmonization project as the System aligns benefit plans for consistency and member value. It requires strong benefits expertise to ensure the project is managed successfully and world-class support is provided during planning, implementation and post-implementation support. The position ensures compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements and provides technical and administrative expertise in supporting health and welfare plans. The Director participates in plan evaluation, analysis and routine meetings with third-party administrators to ensure high-quality plan administration and customer service. It is also accountable for ensuring benefit plan communication and documentation is accurate and updated for plan changes and legislative updates. This role is key to the annual benefits enrollment process and to ongoing employee support for WellStar health and welfare plans.

Core Responsibilities And Essential Functions

Health and Welfare Plan Administration

Administer employee benefits programs such as retirement plans; medical, dental, vision plans; life insurance; and temporary disability programs.

Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation (original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies).

Instruct insurance carriers, trustees and other external administrative agencies to effect changes in benefits programs and ensure prompt and accurate compliance.

Install approved new plans or changes by preparing announcements, plan summary documents and other employee communications. Conduct employee meetings and arrange enrollment.

Supervise maintenance of enrollment and claims records for all benefits plans.

Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers; participate in surveys and develop recommendations for management review.

Participate in developing specifications for new plans or modifications, aiming to maintain competitive benefits across locations and obtain a uniform benefits package where possible.

Develop benefits information and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management.

Plan Interpretation and Support

Counsel management and employees on existing benefits.

Interpret benefit plans and ERISA and other regulations to ensure compliant administration.

fulfill regulatory reporting requirements for the plans.

Handle benefits inquiries and complaints with timely, equitable resolutions and maintain contact with hospitals, physicians, insurers, employees and beneficiaries to facilitate proper utilization of benefits.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with ERISA and the Affordable Care Act. Supervise preparation of reports and filings with federal/state agencies.

Review changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and coordinate benefits with government programs.

Serve as liaison with benefit vendors to ensure compliance of recordkeeping, payment and reporting systems with plan documents and regulations.

Communication and Documentation

Partner with internal communications to develop ongoing plans to educate team members about benefits and how to use them.

Direct the preparation of benefits communications (e.g., summary plan documents, statements, handbooks) with internal and external resources.

Performs other duties as assigned. Maintains compliance with WellStar Health System policies and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree is required.

Degree in Human Resources or Risk Management is preferred.

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s) All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

Benefits Professional certification (preferred).

Additional License(s) and Certification(s)

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or similar designation is preferred.

Required Minimum Experience

Minimum 7 years of benefits-related experience.

Comprehensive knowledge of health and welfare plan design, administration and related regulations (ERISA, COBRA, FASB, FMLA, OBRA, etc.).

Experience with large-scale health and wellness plans for 5,000–10,000+ employees.

Progressive leadership of analysts and administrators.

Required Minimum Skills

Experience with leave management, FMLA and ADA claims and case review. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and drive benefits innovation aligned with organizational needs. Strong knowledge of benefits design and administration, and ability to influence senior leadership across the business.

High energy, proactive mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. Knowledge of health and welfare regulations.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.

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