Benefits Specialist Jobs in Maryland

INTRODUCTION

At Meritus, our commitment to caring extends beyond our patients and community—it includes our team members and their families. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Benefits to lead the development and administration of our comprehensive benefits programs and help shape the future of employee wellbeing across our organization.

As a key member of the Human Resources leadership team, you will oversee the strategy, design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and other employee benefits. You will work closely with executive leadership, vendors, and HR partners to ensure our programs support employee engagement, organizational goals, and a best-in-class employee experience.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Benefits Strategy & Program Design

• Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports employee wellbeing, retention, and organizational growth
• Design and manage health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and leave programs
• Evaluate market trends and benchmark programs to ensure competitiveness and value
• Identify opportunities to enhance employee experience while managing costs and maximizing return on investment

Drive Employee Wellbeing

• Build and advance a holistic wellbeing strategy focused on physical, emotional, financial, and social health
• Partner with internal stakeholders to promote benefits utilization and employee engagement
• Lead benefits education and communication initiatives to ensure employees understand and appreciate available resources

Manage Vendor Relationships & Benefits Operations

• Oversee relationships with brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, performance management, and annual renewals
• Ensure efficient administration and delivery of all benefits programs
• Monitor service levels and continuously improve operational effectiveness

Ensure Compliance & Governance

• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and related benefit laws
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Finance, and HR leaders on audits, reporting, and governance initiatives
• Ensure accurate plan documentation, filings, and regulatory reporting

Leverage Data & Analytics

• Utilize HRIS systems and benefits analytics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trends
• Develop executive-level reporting and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Analyze participation, utilization, and cost data to guide future program enhancements

Provide Leadership & Partnership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR business partners, and organizational stakeholders
• Collaborate with Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Workforce Planning teams to support an integrated total rewards strategy

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive benefits leadership experience, including oversight of large-scale employee benefit programs
• Demonstrated experience managing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and leave administration
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other benefits-related regulations
• Experience leading vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and benefits strategy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Healthcare, hospital, or health system experience preferred
• Master's degree in a related field
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar credentials

KEY STRENGTHS

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and operational excellence
• Deep expertise in employee benefits and wellbeing program design
• Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proven ability to influence and partner effectively with executive leadership
• Passion for creating programs that improve employee wellbeing and organizational success

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.