Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Benefits will be a strategic leader responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of Dallas College’s comprehensive benefits and wellness programs. This pivotal role requires a deep understanding of employee benefits and wellness trends, compliance regulations, and best practices. You will lead a team and collaborate closely with Human Resources leadership and other key stakeholders, Finance, and Legal to ensure our benefits and wellness offerings attract, retain, and engage top talent while remaining competitive and cost-effective. You will be instrumental in shaping the employee experience through the delivery of impactful and valued benefits and wellness programs. This position reports to Associate Deputy Chief of Total Rewards (Head of Total Rewards).

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement an overall strategic roadmap for health, welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness benefit offerings that align with organizational objectives, values and employee needs.
• Oversee all benefit plan governance and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation at levels (HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, etc.).
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Associate Deputy Chief of Total Rewards (Head of Total Rewards) and executive leadership on employee benefits strategy, trends, best practices, and legislative changes in the benefits landscape.
• Prepare and present benefits-related reports and analytics to senior leadership.
• Lead the development of benefit education, communications, and enrollment materials for employees.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and evaluate vendor performance, including RFP to ensure high-quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead the annual benefits renewal process, including analyzing utilization data, evaluating plan designs, and negotiating rates.
• Assist with the development and management of the benefits budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
• Partner with internal stakeholders on projects related to employee well-being and engagement.
• Conduct workforce segmentation analyses to tailor benefit offerings to meet the needs of various employee groups.
• Implement metrics and KPIs to assess the effectiveness, ROI, and utilization of benefits programs, including regularly auditing benefit programs for accuracy and efficiency.
• Drive benefit benchmarking efforts and market analyses through participation in national surveys and peer networking.
• Leverage systems (e.g., Workday, benefits administration platforms) to automate workflows and enhance reporting.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Payroll, Legal, Compliance, and Talent teams.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team to ensure efficient operations, collaboration, continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery.
• Provide guidance and support to the HR team and employees on benefits-related inquiries and issues.
• All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours.
• People leaders are required to have an additional 16 hours of leadership development.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Benefits Design & Planning
• Compliance & Regulatory Mastery
• Vendor Relationship & Contract Management
• Data-Driven Program Evaluation
• Inclusive Workforce Benefit Strategy
• Communication & Change Management
• Leadership & Team Development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration or strategy, including at least 3 or more years of leadership experience
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and administering a wide range of employee benefits programs.
• Strong knowledge of relevant federal and state benefits laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate benefits information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms with Workday or equivalent HRIS, preferred.
• Experience with State of Texas benefits systems such as TRS, ERS, and ORP preferred
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or similar credential strongly preferred
• SHRM-SCP or other advanced HR certification preferred
• An official transcript will be required.
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

***Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***