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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES > CLASSIFICATION > DIRECTOR, BENEFITS STRATEGY & VENDOR RELATIONS


Director, Benefits Strategy and Vendor Relations

 
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CLASS DESCRIPTION

OFFICIAL TITLE: Director, Benefits Strategy and Vendor Relations

CODE: 0330
WORKING TITLE: GRADE: P
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, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS: Thorough in-depth understanding of human resource, employee benefit, and payroll functions, law, and best practices. Lawson system experience preferred. Ability to lead team to provide outstanding customer service. Analysis skills to identify complex causes and resulting ramifications of issues and ability to work collegially towards long-term resolutions. Software orientation and aptitude, Microsoft Excel and Word skills. Problem solving skills. Coaching, leadership and supervisory skills. Highly motivated and able to work in quick paced environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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.) None
PAID OVERTIME: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Administers the performance of benefits vendors to ensure services provided meet the program needs of MCPS.  Measures vendor performance and contractual compliance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Analyzes employee and retiree group insurance benefit costs to determine premium rates.
  • Works with ERSC staff to implement required regulatory and negotiated changes; reviews contract language and projects funding requirements.
  •  Shares coordination of communications and processing for the Open Enrollment and Other Benefit programs with other ERSC leaders.  Identifies topics, writes, and reviews materials.
  • Coordinates Summary Plan document content with vendors and ERSC leaders.
  • Works with retiree and employee groups to solicit input on communications.
  •  Supervises the administration of the MCPS defined contribution retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b)).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ensures that plan documents are updated and that required filings and other regulatory requirements are met.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Serves on the Board of Investment Trustees. 

 

Class Established: 7/2003
Date(s) Revised: 3/2008

This description may be changed at any time.

Note: A general guide to class description, which includes definitions of standard terms used, is considered an integral part of this description and is available from the Office of Human Resources.

Updated March 11, 2008 | Contact Webmaster

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