Associate Director, Benefits

Kilpatrick, a large international law firm, is seeking an Associate Director, Benefits for our Human Resources Department in our Atlanta or Raleigh office. This position will be part of our team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff providing a high level of service to both internal and external clients. At Kilpatrick we are one team where each person plays an integral role in serving the needs of our clients. The firm has a strong dedication to its employees, values, diversity and inclusion initiatives and commitment to the community.

The Associate Director, Benefits is responsible for providing, in partnership with HR management, the strategic and administrative direction related to all health and welfare programs including benefits, retirement plans, and HR Management systems (HRMS).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Direct overall design, implementation and administration of health and welfare benefit programs providing partners/employees with a total benefits package that delivers competitive and cost-effective benefits programs. Lead annual enrollment process including recommendations related to plan offerings, design changes, rates and plan cost share. Administer wellness programs/initiatives to motivate partners/employees to focus on lifestyle changes necessary for optimal health and well-being.
• Manage all aspects of retirement plans including plan compliance, 5500s, annual audits and other statutory requirements. Coordinate with internal resources regarding plan features and compliance. In consultation with investment committee, participate in review of fund investment performance.
• Manage all statutory requirements related to welfare programs including but not limited to COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA and Worker's Compensation. Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies. Work with Procurement Team to ensure contract terms with benefits vendors are in compliance and manage services.
• Provide daily management, training and development of the primary work group providing services for benefits, and HRMS.
• Address regular benefit inquiries and participate in staff meetings. Provide regular reports to management regarding financial impact of benefit and retirement activities. Develop, implement and communicate educational programs to efficiently and effectively communicate benefits to partners/employees.
• Ensure timely processing of all systems information and any payroll changes including new hires, benefit enrollments, status changes and terminations for the firm's various plans.
• Any additional responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
• Minimum ten years of benefits related experience; In particular, experience leading a benefits team, responsibility of decision making related to health and welfare plans.
• Minimum of five years' management experience with strong skills in directing others in accomplishing objectives.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with benefits and retirement plan administration, preferably in a self-insured environment.
• Strong planning, organizational and change management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills including MS Office Suite - Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Experience with HRMS systems; preferably UKG.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts while providing strong client service.
• Knowledge of payroll laws and statutory requirements is preferred.

This is a full-time, regular position with a multi-faceted health benefit package including medical, dental, and vision. The firm also offers life insurance, short term disability plans and retirement plans in addition to holidays and paid time off. The firm offers hybrid work schedules combining in office work days as well as remote work days. The pay range for this position in Atlanta only is $117,700 to $176,500 annually, and in Raleigh only is $111,500 to $167,300 annually.

Selected applicants will be contacted. Kilpatrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at www.ktslaw.com.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay, or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding , hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1-35(c)