Description

Director - Benefits
MaineHealth
Portland, ME

Join MaineHealth, a trusted leader in integrated healthcare, where stability meets innovation and a commitment to excellence drives every decision. As the Director of Benefits, you’ll lead the design and execution of a comprehensive benefits strategy that impacts over 20,000 of employees across our expansive system, ensuring their physical, mental, and financial well-being while fostering a culture of engagement, retention, and organizational excellence.

We’re seeking a seasoned professional with extensive vendor management experience and a proven track record of success in a self-insured environment. This role offers the opportunity to leverage your expertise to optimize benefits programs, build strong partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes for our employees and their families.

This is more than a role—it's an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare benefits in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. With MaineHealth’s commitment to professional development, you’ll have the resources and support to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our team members and the communities we serve.

Be part of a system that values your expertise, fosters your growth, and offers the stability to build a lasting legacy.

The Director of Benefits is responsible for the strategic direction, design, implementation, communication, and administration of the organization’s comprehensive employee benefits programs. These include health and welfare plans, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave of absence programs, and other ancillary benefits. The Director ensures that benefit offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization’s business objectives and total rewards philosophy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the overall benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market competitiveness.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of all benefit plans including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts, renewals, and pricing to ensure high-quality service and cost efficiency.
• Lead annual benefits open enrollment and related communication strategies.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and IRS guidelines.
• Monitor industry trends, conduct benchmarking, and recommend innovative benefit solutions.
• Partner with finance on benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Manage and mentor a team of benefits professionals, providing coaching and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, Payroll, and IT to ensure accurate and efficient benefits administration and data integrity.
• Develop and implement wellness programs that support employee well-being and productivity.
• Serve as a key point of contact for escalated employee inquiries and resolve complex benefit issues.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CEBS, SPHR) preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in benefits management, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage large-scale benefits programs.
• Strong analytical, project management, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms.

Why Join MaineHealth?

Join one of the most respected healthcare systems in New England. Our benefits are designed to support your needs today and help you plan for tomorrow.

• Be part of a nationally recognized health system.
• Access professional development and continuing education.
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Wellness resources for you and your family.
• Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Join a team that’s making a difference. Visit our careers page to learn more and apply! Director - Benefits in Portland, ME, United States

About MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” MaineHealth consists of nine local health systems, a comprehensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and 1,700 employed clinicians working together through the MaineHealth Medical Group. With approximately 22,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. Learn more about our system at mainehealth.org

At MaineHealth, we offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow. Our packages include health and dental insurances, paid parental leave, retirement program, generous paid time off, and much more! Our comprehensive array of benefits are competitive, affordable, and include choices that meet specific, but ever-changing, needs.

With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the neighborhoods that surround it. We are deeply invested in the well-being of our communities and care for team members. We believe in fostering a work environment of strong commitment, compassionate caring, and continuous improvement. Join us, and your abilities will be challenged and enhanced as you take your career to a new level.

MaineHealth values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.