Benefits Associate Director

Open position in Columbia, MO; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

True Independent Holdings is seeking a Benefits Associate Director to manage and oversee the employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) retirement plans. This role ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements while providing support to employees regarding their benefits options.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

Benefits Administration

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) retirement plan.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits enrollment and coverage details. Forward claims questions to the broker team for resolution.
• Review the multiple insurance plans under the Group of agencies to determine the best course of action for 2026 and beyond. Manage the RFP process from inception to selection of broker and consolidated benefit program. 
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including communications and employee education.
• Coordinate HRIS updates with Payroll and HRIS Associate Director
• Oversee the 401(k) retirement plan, ensuring compliance with ERISA and other regulatory requirements.
• Partner with the plan provider and financial advisors to ensure employees understand their retirement benefits. 
• With the support of the CFO, Head of HR, and agency leadership, review the multiple 401(k) retirement plans to determine the best course of action for 2026 and beyond. 

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure company benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, etc.).
• With the support of the CFO and Payroll & HRIS Associate Director, submit required reports, including 5500 filings, ACA reporting, and non-discrimination testing.  
• Monitor regulatory updates and recommend policy changes to maintain compliance.

Employee Education & Support

• Manage broker relationship to include development of benefits guides, FAQs, and educational materials to enhance employee understanding of their benefits.
• Lead benefits orientation sessions for new hires and ongoing educational workshops.

Vendor & Cost Management

• Work with brokers and vendors to negotiate plan options, premiums, and service agreements.
• Analyze benefits utilization and costs to recommend plan design changes and cost-saving strategies.
• In collaboration with the Controller and Payroll & HRIS Associate Director, manage billing reconciliation and ensure accurate premium payments.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, preferably in a corporate setting.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in HRIS systems, benefits portals, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and Google Workspace
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of benefits regulations, ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and 401(k) compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related HR/benefits certification a plus
• Experience managing benefits programs for multi-state employees.
• Background in working with self-insured plans and wellness initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 3% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Robust Paid Time Off program, increasing with years of employment
• Paid holidays, including agency closing Christmas Eve-New Years Day
• Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Paid Time Off, plus Voluntary Paid Leave Bank