Manager of Benefits

SUMMARY:

The Manager of Benefits is responsible for the leadership, administration, and execution of Brown University Health's Health & Welfare programs. This role leads the Health & Welfare team and is accountable for effective program administration, employee experience, compliance, vendor performance, and operational delivery.

In partnership with Benefits leadership, the Benefits Manager supports Health & Welfare strategy, plan design, cost management, and organizational priorities and leads major benefit initiatives, including domestic utilization and steerage, medical plan tiering, vendor implementations, and other strategic initiatives.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

Instill Trust and Value Differences

Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

In addition, our leaders will demonstrate an aptitude for:

Ensure Accountability and Build Effective Teams

Drive Vision and Purpose and Optimize Work Processes

By applying core and leadership competencies, leaders help Brown University Health achieve its strategic goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Health & Welfare Leadership & Team Management

Lead, develop, and provide day-to-day direction to the Health & Welfare team.

Establish priorities, operational standards, workload distribution, and performance expectations.

Oversee program administration and service delivery and serve as an escalation point for complex or high-risk benefit issues.

Promote accountability, collaboration, team development, and a strong employee service experience.

Benefits Strategy & Major Initiatives

Partner with Benefits leadership on Health & Welfare strategy, plan design, cost management, and organizational priorities.

Lead major initiatives, including domestic utilization and steerage, medical plan tiering, plan design changes, new programs, and vendor implementations and transitions.

Lead cross-functional project planning, timelines, deliverables, risks, and stakeholder coordination.

Evaluate utilization, financial, operational, and employee experience data to support recommendations and measure effectiveness.

Program Operations & Compliance

Oversee Open Enrollment, eligibility and enrollment, and other recurring Health & Welfare activities.

Ensure programs are administered accurately and consistently with plan provisions, collective bargaining agreements, regulatory requirements, and established procedures.

Oversee compliance activities, including ACA reporting, required notices, SPD/SMM administration, nondiscrimination testing, annual filings, and audits.

Partner with HRIS on Workday benefits configuration, testing, integrations, enhancements, and issue resolution.

Maintain effective processes, documentation, controls, and administrative standards.

Vendor, Financial & Operational Management

Oversee vendor relationships, service delivery, performance, and escalations.

Monitor program costs, utilization, participation, and vendor performance and provide recommendations to Benefits leadership.

Support budgeting, forecasting, invoice reconciliation, contracting, and evaluation of program and vendor alternatives.

Partner with Finance, Procurement, Legal, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders to resolve significant operational issues and support effective program administration.

Continuous Improvement

Identify and lead opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, increase efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.

Use benefits data, industry trends, and operational insights to recommend program improvements.

Support employee communication and education related to benefit programs and changes.

Provide leadership and subject matter expertise for organizational priorities and special initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Four (4) or more years of progressive relevant experience.

Experience leading complex projects involving process improvement, operational analysis, system implementation, compliance, and employee education.

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify trends, assess risks, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver clear presentations in-person and virtually to employees at all levels.

Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing employee benefit programs.

Experience managing relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and senior leaders.

People leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, professional development, and team effectiveness.

Experience with Health & Welfare benefit programs and self-funded health plans preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervises up to 20 FTEs.

Pay Range:

$110,302.40-$182,000.00

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Corporate Headquarters - 15 LaSalle Square Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

M-F 8:00am-5:00pm

Work Shift:

Day

Daily Hours:

8 hours

Driving Required:

No