Director, Benefits & People Operations (hybrid onsite) - Crossmedia Inc

YOUR ROLE

Reporting directly to our Chief People Officer and within Crossmedia's People Team, the Director, Benefits & People Operations has oversight of all administrative, compliance, tech, data, policy and best practices within the HR function and is responsible for the evaluation, negotiation, planning and execution of our benefits programs.

This role requires proximity to our New York City office. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of working onsite, and the flexibility to work from home.

A team-player and culture champion. Your passion for company culture is infectious, and you love developing internal relationships. You love being part of a team, bringing people together, and building a thriving community.

People-oriented. You are resourceful, and attentive, and know how to communicate with different personalities and a variety of management styles. You are approachable and have a "what can I do to help you?" mentality.

A self-starter. You know how to solve problems and being proactive comes second nature to you. You are a good listener and are not afraid to step up and present new ideas. You relish the challenge of finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently. can balance multiple high-priority projects and tasks. 

A continuous learner.  You are a lover of legislation.  You make it your business to stay on top of changes in laws impacting everything from taxation to DEI to employment agreements, separations and everything in between.  You embrace continuous learning and self-innovation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration:

You will oversee the administration and compliance of various employee benefit programs. This role requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, with experience in US and international (UK, Germany, Canada).

• Lead the administration of all healthcare and retirement plans, including qualified plans and innovative non-qualified plans, and implement programs to assist employees in planning for future financial security.
• Develop and implement strategic approach to long-term health care cost containment in a complex and rapidly evolving health care environment while ensuring competitiveness and participant satisfaction.
• Oversee administration of various benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life, accident, and disability insurance, EAP, paid time off, and leave administration (e.g., FMLA, STD, LTD).
• Ensure compliance with US and UK labor laws and regulations, including those related to pensions, health insurance, and leave entitlements.
• Administer 401(k) plan, maintain records, manage contributions, and ensure timely reporting in collaboration with our finance team. 
• Assist employees with new hire benefits orientation, annual open enrollment, and clarifying policies on benefits eligibility, coverage, and applicability.

Plan Design and Vendor Management:

• Work with internal leadership and external brokers to conduct annual benefits review, conduct research, analyze plan options, perform cost analysis, and make recommendations to CPO and CFO.
• Manage relationships with benefits partners for escalated support needs, including claims administration, appeals, COBRA, retirement administration, and HRIS data integrity.
• Reconcile and submit for payment all benefits invoices, automate the process of invoice reconciliation, and maintain accurate records of processing.

Compliance and Legal:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, ensuring all benefit programs are compliant and up-to-date, including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, DOL, and IRS (e.g., IRS Form 5500 series).
• Continuously review benefits periodicals and publications to remain current on benefit plan legal requirements and monitor proposed benefits legislation.
• Monitor evolving federal, state, and local employment-related legal requirements and develop strategies to ensure that the agency's HR policies and practices are consistent with current requirements.
• Partnering with the finance team on 401K audits
• Advise internal HR leadership across various jurisdictions on a wide range of compliance matters.
• Identify and lead the agencies response to new regulatory requirements. Coordinate with counsel, as necessary, regarding complex, sensitive compliance matters.

Communication and Employee Education:

• Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits programs, such as insurance plans, 401(k), and special employer-sponsored plans.
• Conduct special education sessions to help employees understand company benefits and wellness programs.
• Design and deploy inclusive programs in the areas of wellbeing, retirement and financial security, healthcare, and family support, among others, to create an environment of belonging and ensure Crossmedia remains an employer of choice.
• Develop and implement industry-leading holistic well-being program to address issues of mental health and substance misuse within our organization.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Skilled in using data analytics and reporting to assess and improve the effectiveness of benefits programs, making data-driven decisions to optimize employee satisfaction and cost-efficiency.
• Responsible for data analysis and reporting, including presentation design for senior management, related to HR metrics such headcount, attrition, retention, DEI metrics, etc. as well as conducting and reporting on onboarding and exit survey feedback and insights. 

HR Systems:

• Direct the selection, design, implementation, maintenance, and evolution of recruiting, compensation, performance management, and retirement plan administration systems.

• A strong understanding of HRIS systems and technology to streamline and enhance the benefits administration processes.

• Budget management, implementation and oversight of contracts and relationships with various HR management systems such as UKG, Bob and Greenhouse

• Managing internal databases

Policy Review

• Review and update personnel policies and make recommendations for changes to the employee handbook to ensure adherence to statutory requirements and alignment with organizational culture.

Employee Relations Issues and Processes:

• Partner with People Partner team to oversee all aspects of separations, including compliance with applicable laws, COBRA administration, and delivering continuation of employee benefits.
• Partner with People Partner to assist in employee relations issue involving sensitive subjects or complicated situations where legal issues may exist.

Wellness and Financial Wellness Education and Engagement:

• Administer effective wellness strategies to improve employee health, well-being, and engagement through various programs and initiatives
• Administer effective financial wellness education to improve understanding and application through various programs and initiatives

International:

• While most of our employees are in the US, we have a small office in the UK and are looking to continue to expand globally so strong international HR experience is a plus – from benefits evaluation and administration to compliance to employee relations issues and management.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• 12+ years of related benefits design and administration as well as HR operations and policies
• Experience managing vendor/broker relationships
• Experience supporting annual benefits review
• Experience giving guidance for international
• Must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, possess strong organizational skills and prioritization skills, work independently, and meet urgent deadline
• Excellent written communication skills, including prior experience developing and documenting policies; excellent verbal communication skills, including preparing and conducting presentations.

This role requires proximity to our New York City. We offer a hybrid work setting with working onsite and flexibility to work from home.

Salary: $135,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience. Compensation is determined on the skills, qualifications and tenure of the applicant.