] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, BENEFITS STRATEGY AND VENDOR RELATIONS

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Director, Benefits Strategy and Vendor Relations

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0330 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Benefits Strategy and Vendor Relations GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Administers the contracts for services provided by the employee benefit plan vendors. Measures vendor performance and contract compliance. Develops the benefits program offerings and recommends premium levels for active employee and retiree benefits. Analyzes trends in plan utilization and recommends appropriate measures for cost containment. Monitors market developments in employee benefits and evaluates market innovations for possible improvement of programs. Monitors legal requirements to ensure compliance. Provides benefit projections for use in budgets and negotiations. Oversees participation in county self- insurance pool for workers¿ compensation and risk management. Works with the other Employee and Retiree Service Center (ERSC) leaders to implement changes in plan design, new programs, regulatory requirements, and impacts from negotiated agreements. Represents MCPS in joint agency benefit workgroups, negotiations, and state initiatives regarding employee benefits.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the principles of employee benefit programs, self-insurance, investments, bid processes, contracts, trusts and retirement plans. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Skilled in the Microsoft Office Suite of products. The ability to analyze situation and apply problem solving skills. PC skills - Microsoft Excel and Word Analytical and problem solving skills Coaching and leadership skills Self-motivated and able to work in quick paced environment
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in administration, finance, economics, or related area required. Master's degree preferred. Experience in administration of retirement and fringe benefit plans in a large organization. Experience working with vendors and health care organizations. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.)
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Administers the performance of benefits vendors to ensure services provided meet the program needs of MCPS. Measures vendor performance and contractual compliance.

2. Works with vendors to implement strategic, operational, and regulatory changes affecting the MCPS benefit programs.

Recommends plan design changes to maintain attractive, fiscally responsible benefits package.

3. Represents MCPS in multi-agency county procurements, manages bid process, analyses responses, and makes recommendations. Also serves on multi-agency implementation workgroups and participates in other benefit related activities.

4. Analyzes employee and retiree group insurance benefit costs to determine premium rates.

5. Works with ERSC staff to implement required regulatory and negotiated changes; reviews contract language and projects funding requirements.

6. Shares coordination of communications and processing for the Open Enrollment and Other Benefit programs with other ERSC leaders. Identifies topics, writes, and reviews materials.

7. Coordinates Summary Plan document content with vendors and ERSC leaders.
Works with retiree and employee groups to solicit input on communications.

8. Supervises the administration of the MCPS defined contribution retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b)).

9. Supports negotiation process through analysis, projections, and preparation of other information as required. Reviews and analyzes employee organization requirements during contract negotiations to determine fiscal impact of any plan design changes.

10. Serves as liaison with the Montgomery County Council, the Board of Education and other interdepartmental task forces on issues relating to employee benefits and retirement.

11. Ensures that plan documents are updated and that required filings and other regulatory requirements are met.

12. Keeps abreast of local, state, and national developments in order to effect changes in operation as necessitated by current changes in society, business, education, etc. Represents MCPS on benefits issues at the state level.

13. Keeps knowledgeable regarding ongoing and new program development. Reviews recent literature and research studies and reports. Evaluates findings and suggests changes or modifications to improve existing programs.

14. Prepares annual operating budget with supporting data for presentation to the superintendent and to the Board of Education. Assists in the preparation of special reports as needed. Provides
all requested data on issues of benefits and insurance

15. Serves on the Board of Investment Trustees.
16. Performs related duties as assigned.
Class Established:
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed: 3/2008

This description may be changed at any time.