Director of Employee Benefits

Gunderson Dettmer is the only business law firm of its kind - exclusively serving the global venture capital and emerging technology marketplace. With 400 attorneys in eleven offices - from Silicon Valley to Singapore - we innovate for innovators, accelerate entrepreneurship, and help build companies at every stage of the growth lifecycle. We are committed to being the employer of choice by working together to create an environment, in which each of our people can grow, take initiative, and develop a fun, fulfilling and financially rewarding career. 

Benefits

In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefit package, which includes full medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account and Paid Time Off. 

Job Summary

Gunderson Dettmer has an opening for a Director of Employee Benefits in our Silicon Valley office.  This position provides strategic leadership and direction for the creation and implementation of the firm's health and welfare plans. The Director of Employee Benefits leads and manages the firm-wide Benefits Team, motivating and developing staff to become a high-performing team by providing mentoring and training for each team member as a cornerstone of their career development.

Essential Job Duties

Health and Welfare

• Responsible for the overall design, administration, and management of all of the firm's domestic and international benefit and insurance programs, as well as the day-to-day administration of each.
• Develops cost analysis information for new plans and recommends cost sharing between employer and employee to the firm's Human Resources Officer (HRO).
• Analyzes, recommends changes to, and updates, as necessary, current policies and procedures related to benefits programs, their management, and administration to ensure efficiency, regulatory compliance, and attainment of best practices. 
• Participates in industry surveys, analyzes the results of surveys and makes specific recommendations regarding the firm's offerings.
• Researches and recommends program improvements as appropriate to maximize impacts on personnel and overall employee experience, focusing on designing tailored benefit strategies and programs for a diverse employee population.
• Drives the annual renewal, selection and design process of medical, dental, life, and disability offerings, partnering with our brokers and third-party vendors with a focus on innovation, standard methodology, cost, and value to firm personnel.
• Prepares, recommends, and manages the annual budget regarding firm-wide benefits offerings, both domestic and international for the HRO.
• Manages and provides support to the HRO regarding any RFPs/RFIs related to benefits offerings, negotiation of vendor contracts, drafting of contracts, plan documents, amendments, and summary plan descriptions.
• Manages and provides strategic direction for all tasks involved with the annual open enrollment process and any off-cycle launches.  Responsible for all employee benefits communications to ensure that, as a firm, we are proactively communicating to firm personnel regarding all benefits-related items.
• Takes a leading role in solving complex benefits issues for covered employees on issues that arise.  
• Provides subject matter expertise to the HRO regarding benefits issues, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices. 
• Manages wellness benefits program.   
• Provides strategic direction, and recommends modifications or improvements to our benefits policies and programs.

Communication

• Provides technical expertise to firm management and others in leadership throughout the firm regarding benefits issues, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.  Makes recommendations on changes to ensure the firm is a leader and employer of choice.
• Ensures a high level of client service and satisfaction, ensuring any issues and complaints received are rectified in a timely manner.  
• Leads ongoing education and guidance to all personnel regarding health and welfare issues. 
• Communicates and manages process improvements and vendor issues with other HR leadership and appropriate operational team members.

Leave Administration

• Oversees the management of all leave programs at the firm and all components, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Responsible for addressing complex leave administration issues and collaborating with the HRO to resolve. 
• Ensures appropriate leave of absence reports are generated and distributed appropriately.

Compliance

• Responsible for ensuring that all health and welfare benefit plans and practices, as well as workers compensation claims, are administered in compliance with firm policies and procedures, plan documentation, contractual arrangements, and regulatory requirements (COBRA, ACA, ERISA, IRS, HIPAA, FMLA, ADEA, ADA, other federal, state, and local laws).
• Manages all audits for health and welfare plans.
• Reviews leave audits and reports findings to the HRO.
• Oversees the management of all workers' compensation claims firm-wide, working with the HRO and firm's Counsel on same as needed.
• Directs and leads the coordination and completion of all benefits-related regulatory reporting requirements, and ensures deadlines are met.
• Oversees the process for accommodation requests under the ADA.
• Stays aware of federal, state, and local leave laws and recommends policy changes based on the same.

Other Responsibilities

• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• Law firm or legal department experience preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience with employee benefits, with at least five years in a mid-level management position. 

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Extensive expertise, knowledge, and understanding of health and welfare plan administration, including state and federal regulations.
• Expertise in setting strategic direction for multi-year benefit planning and program management (or design) throughout the lifecycle of a benefits program.
• Expertise and knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations affecting employers and employees with benefit and leave plans (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, USERRA, FMLA).
• General knowledge of tax rules of various benefits including fringe benefits, payroll tax deductions etc.
• Experience with managing vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and effectively manage and develop direct reports.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Strong experience working within databases.

Preferred Requirements:

• Member of professional organizations (such as SHRM, IFEBP, WorldatWork).
• Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, CBP, SPHR, PHR) are preferred but not required.
• Previous experience working in an Am Law 200 or larger firm or in a highly matrixed organization.
• Experience with HRIS systems (ie. Workday)

Core Competencies

In addition to the Essential Job Duties, the following are requisite performance requirements of the position:

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Excellent verbal, and written communication skills, including strong proofreading skills and the ability to communicate effectively both in person and in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference).
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate.
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment.
• Strong client service orientation.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented and understand when urgency is required.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

• Must be able to thrive in a fast-pace, matrixed environment.
• Strong understanding of, and commitment to utilizing the firm's HRIS to its fullest capabilities and ensuring data security and integrity.

Travel Requirements

Requires onsite presence in our Silicon Valley office.  Travel to other firm offices as required. Status Full-Time, Exempt. The expected starting salary for this position is $200,000 - $275,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Gunderson Dettmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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