Benefits Director

Scottsdale, AZ

Cadence Education is currently in search of our next Benefits Director in Scottsdale, AZ.

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 325 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

At Cadence Education, our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees and our communities. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are the leading edge of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working Full Time at Cadence Education:

• Competitive compensation
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational and professional development
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA 

#CR

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the VP of Human Resources, the Benefits Director provides executive leadership in the strategic development, execution, and governance of the organization’s benefits programs. This role ensures the alignment of benefits strategy with corporate objectives while maintaining financial sustainability and regulatory compliance. The Benefits Director serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, delivering market-competitive and value-driven employee benefits solutions. This position also plays a pivotal role in M&A activities, overseeing benefits integration and harmonization strategies.

Benefits Director Required Skills and Education:

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:	·       Must have the ability to work a hybrid model, coming into the office at least two days a week. ·       Ability to travel as required for vendor meetings, conferences, leadership engagements, or acquisition schools. ·       Extensive knowledge of benefits strategy, design, and administration within a multi-state and highly regulated environment. ·       Proven ability to drive large-scale benefits initiatives, including vendor negotiations, plan design, and financial management. ·       Strong leadership and influencing skills, with experience working with executive leadership and stakeholders. ·       Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and due diligence in benefits administration. ·       Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making. ·       Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex benefits information to diverse audiences. ·       Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate industry trends and translate insights into actionable strategies. ·       Requires the ability to read, write and speak effectively in English.
  Education or equivalency:	·       Requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of training and progressively responsible experience that will result in the required specialized knowledge and abilities to perform the assigned work.
  Experience:	·       Must have a minimum of seven (7) years of benefits administration and worker’s compensation related work experience that demonstrates a strong understanding of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. ·       Requires prior supervisory / management experience within a complex organization.
  Specialized training:	·       None.
  Certification/licensure:	·       CBP, CEBS, SHRM-SCP, or similar certification preferred.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

   

  1.	Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight: Directs the strategy, design, and execution of the company's comprehensive benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement, insurance, and other employee-centric offerings. Continuously evaluates program effectiveness to ensure alignment with business goals and workforce needs.
  2.	Financial & Risk Management: Develops and oversees the benefits budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining competitive offerings. Collaborate with finance teams to manage benefits costs, forecast expenditures, and optimize cost-efficiency.
  3.	Regulatory Compliance & Governance: Ensures full compliance with all federal and multi-state regulations governing benefits, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and other applicable laws. Leads audits and risk assessments to proactively mitigate legal and financial exposure.
  4.	Vendor & Partner Management: Establishes and manages relationships with external vendors, consultants, and brokers to negotiate and implement high-quality, cost-effective benefit solutions. Leads vendor performance evaluations and contract negotiations to maximize ROI.
  5.	Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Leads due diligence, evaluation, and integration of benefits programs during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Develops harmonization strategies to align acquired company benefits with organizational policies.
  6.	Employee Experience & Communications: Drives engagement by developing and implementing benefits communication strategies that enhance employee understanding and appreciation of programs. Leads the execution of annual open enrollment and change management initiatives.
  7.	Data Analytics & Benchmarking: Utilizes data analytics to assess program effectiveness, workforce utilization, and market competitiveness. Monitors industry trends and benchmarks benefits offerings to maintain a competitive position.
  8.	Team Leadership & Development: Provides strategic direction and leadership to the benefits team. Develops talent pipelines, fosters professional growth, and ensures a high-performing, service-oriented department.

Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.