Sr. Executive Dir Benefits & Payroll

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Benefits provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of Houston ISD’s comprehensive employee benefits programs, serving one of the largest and most diverse workforces in Texas. This role ensures the design, implementation, and management of competitive, cost-effective, and compliant benefits offerings that support employee well-being, recruitment, and retention. The Executive Director partners across departments to align benefits strategy with district financial goals and organizational priorities.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.        Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term benefits strategy aligned with district priorities.
2.        Advise senior leadership on benefits design, trends, and cost-containment strategies.
3.        Lead annual benefits planning, including renewals, plan design, and contribution structures.
4.        Oversee administration of all employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, retirement, wellness, and voluntary plans).
5.        Direct and manage open enrollment processes, communications, and employee education efforts.
6.        Manage and monitor the benefits budget, forecasts, and financial performance.
7.        Analyze claims data and utilization trends to drive cost efficiency and program effectiveness.
8.        Collaborate with procurement teams for negotiating and managing benefits vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.
9.        Establish and monitor vendor performance metrics and service-level agreements.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

10.        Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local benefits regulations (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, COBRA).
11.        Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to mitigate risk and maintain audit readiness.
12.        Develop and execute clear, accessible benefits communication and engagement strategies.
13.        Promote employee wellness initiatives to improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.
14.        Lead, supervise, and develop Benefits department staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
15.        Collaborate with Finance, HR, Payroll, and other departments to ensure seamless benefits operations.
16.        Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 to 7 years
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software
Oracle        
TipWeb
Microsoft Office

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Skills
Deep knowledge of employee benefits design, administration, and regulations
Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and analyzing claims data
Proven ability to negotiate and manage vendor contracts
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to translate complex benefits information into clear, actionable insights
High level of integrity and attention to detail

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Level 5 -Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversee the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures, and precedents are created and approved by this position. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

-Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

-Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Oversee and direct - serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies, and practices. Interactions are typically with Top Management, the Board, and community and business leaders.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

-Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based with regular visits to warehouses, campuses, and operational sites.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.