Director, Benefits

Overview McGuireWoods is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Director of Benefits to join the firm in our Richmond, VA office. As a member of the firm's Human Resources (HR) leadership team, the Director will be responsible for the strategic design, implementation, communication, and overall administration of the firm’s benefits programs, including, but not limited to, health and welfare plans, income replacement programs, leave programs, well-being initiatives, and employee and partner retirement plans. This strategic, hands-on leader will develop, maintain, and continuously improve benefits strategies, programs, systems, and processes that support the firm’s overall talent philosophy and strengthen the firm’s ability to attract, reward, engage, and retain exceptional talent. McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data. Responsibilities Strategy, Program Development, and Implementation Develop, maintain, and facilitate effective benefits strategies and programs. Assess program effectiveness in meeting overall strategic objectives and oversee the development and implementation of changes and improvements to benefits programs, as appropriate. Evaluate and compare existing firm benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information. Develop specific recommendations for benefits changes and additions for review by firm leadership. Build, develop, and maintain analytical processes to continually evaluate the effectiveness of implemented programs. Develop and present recommendations to firm leadership regarding benefits strategy, market competitiveness, risk management, employee value proposition, and long-term cost sustainability. Lead the annual benefits renewal process, including plan design evaluation, utilization review, cost trend analysis, forecasting, and budgeting in partnership with Finance, vendors, brokers, and consultants. Program Compliance and Maintenance Actively ensure that all benefits programs comply with relevant laws, regulations, and firmwide policies. Provide effective oversight of the firm’s established benefits programs and initiatives, including, but not limited to, leave programs and medical and dental benefit programs. Act as liaison with carriers, vendors, and consultants on plan design, contracts, testing, plan audits, and coverage. Identify opportunities for improvement by coordinating and participating in meetings with selected vendors. Lead enterprise-wide open enrollment strategy and execution, ensuring accurate administration, timely decision-making, effective vendor coordination, and a positive employee experience. Oversee benefits-related technology, data integrity, reporting, testing, system integrations, automation, and process improvement efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and internal controls. Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan documents, summary plan descriptions, HIPAA Business Associate agreements, other benefit agreements, and insurance policies. Program Effectiveness and Analysis Respond to and resolve employee concerns regarding benefits programs. Develop and deliver comprehensive benefits communications, education, and training to enhance employee understanding of benefit plan options, enrollment decisions, and available resources. Develop and support wellness, well-being, employee assistance, and leave-related strategies that align with the firm’s culture, workforce needs, and broader total rewards objectives. Ensure the development and execution of administrative policies governing employee benefits are in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Oversee the processing of all documents necessary for implementation of various benefits programs and maintenance of such records as required for compliance with ERISA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations. Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, and short- and long-range planning to assist in accomplishing established goals and objectives. Inform, advise, and counsel management on trends and current developments in the field of employee benefits programs. Interface with HR, Accounting, Payroll, Finance, and IT to identify development projects, business priorities, reporting needs, and process enhancements. Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with operational and compliance requirements. Customarily and regularly direct the work of at least four full-time equivalent employees. Exercise authority to hire or terminate employees, or provide recommendations or suggestions that are given particular weight regarding hiring, termination, advancement, promotion, or other status changes for those employees. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience working in a law firm or professional services firm preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience in employee benefits administration. Advanced knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, Form 5500 requirements, SARs, Sarbanes-Oxley, Summary Plan Descriptions, tax codes, and other legal requirements. Working knowledge of qualified retirement plan rules, regulations, and structure, including distribution requirements and QDROs. Demonstrated experience managing benefits budgets, forecasting costs, analyzing utilization and cost drivers, and developing data-informed recommendations for plan design and program improvements. Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements. Strong understanding of HR systems, benefits administration platforms, reporting tools, system integrations, data integrity practices, and technology-enabled process improvement. Experience leading open enrollment, benefits communications, employee education, wellness or well-being initiatives, and vendor-supported engagement strategies. Advanced knowledge of HR compliance regulations, employment laws, best practices, and industry standards, particularly those applicable to benefits and compensation. Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work. Have more questions? Connect with a recruiter directly. #LI-ER1