Benefits Director

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS? ARE YOU SEEKING A NEW CHALLENGE IN A DYNAMIC SECTOR?

This is a very exciting and highly innovative time here at Outside.

OUR TRUE NORTH :

Outside Interactive, Inc., the premier hub for active lifestyle enthusiasts, offers best-in-class content and experiences to more than 70 million of the world's most passionate outdoor, wellness, and endurance enthusiasts every month.

We inspire a broad and diverse audience to do the activities they love with greater enjoyment, inspiration, and knowledge and are dedicated to making real change in the outdoor and fitness industries

We are seeking a visionary leader who is deeply committed to enriching the employee experience and thrives in dynamic, ambiguous settings.

As our Director of Benefits, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing our benefits programs, focusing on health, welfare, and retirement plans across the United States and Canada.

This role is centered on enhancing the well-being and satisfaction of our employees, ensuring that from their initial enrollment, and every day after, they feel supported and valued.

You will bring a strategic and hands-on approach to directly influence and continually improve how we think about and manage our benefits offerings.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to expand your impact by developing global compensation strategies and governance.

This vital position is part of the People Operations Team and reports directly to the Chief People Officer, contributing significantly to our mission of advocating for and uplifting our employees at every level.

Responsibilities :

Plans and directs the implementation and administration of benefits programs designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees, while ensuring employees against loss of income due to illness, injury, or retirement

• Conduct periodic reviews and analyses of existing benefits plans, policies, and procedures, and plans the modification of existing benefits programs.
• Develop & execute strategy by closely partnering with the Leadership Team and Finance
• Oversee annual benefits renewal process. Analyze proposals, negotiate rates / fees, and make recommendations to leadership
• Develop and oversee processes for benefits administration including enrollment, changes, terminations, and resolving issues
• Understands external benchmarking & trends to evaluate and deliver a competitive benefit program
• Design & innovate while managing for efficiency in health & welfare, disability, and PTO programs
• Builds and values internal / external partnerships to get the job done
• Prepares written, verbal and training information to inform employees of benefits programs options within insurance plans, 401(k), life, and special employer-sponsored plans
• Ensures compliance with all business and legal plan requirements, directs preparation and filing of legally required reports and documents
• Advises, consults and serves as a member of the People Operations Team in the development and execution of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based on broad corporate goals, acquisitions, strategic planning and growth objectives
• Evaluates and analyzes the results of the programs and services regularly and systematically; reports these results to the CPO, CFO, and CEO in addition to other management reporting such as benefit loss and claims control, budgets, and special projects
• Develop and execute innovative marketing campaigns and communication strategies that make our benefits programs transparent and understandable for all employees, ensuring they are fully informed and can make the best choices for their personal and family needs
• Leverage artificial intelligence to streamline benefits administration processes, enhance decision-making, and personalize employee experiences, ensuring our programs are not only efficient but also ahead of the technological curve
• Monitors HRIS system and EDI integrations for accuracy in employee enrollments.
• Keep current on benefits regulations, legislation, trends, and best practices

Experience & Skills :

• 10+ years experience in HR, including 5+ years of benefits experience
• Extensive knowledge of 401k plans and plan administration
• Experience working with external vendors / brokers who provide co-sourced or outsourced benefits administration services
• Thorough knowledge of ERISA and other laws governing employee and retirement benefits; strong understanding of PPACA and experience with state and local mandates
• Knowledge of all federal, state and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee benefits
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately to the audience in front of you whether it's a consultative style, executive presence, or down to the details, or to one person, or a big room
• Like to solve multiple complex problems with and without others, sometimes happening concurrently
• Strong business acumen, particularly financial and analytical skills
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and communicate data.
• Familiarity with current tools for the workplace, including chat GPT.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets, i.e pivot tables and vlookups

Nice to Have(s) :

• Compensation experience is a plus
• Global benefits experience, especially Canada, preferred
• Professional development experience is a plus

Education :

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's preferred.
• Course work in business administration or related fields is preferred.
• Appropriate level of work experience may be substituted for educational requirements.

For jobs performed in Boulder, Colorado : Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $134,600 to $168,200. Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, Flexible Time Away, sick leave, and many more.

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in the state of California if selected for this role, and may vary based on market data / ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors