Director, Benefits & People Operations (hybrid onsite)

WHO WE ARECrossmedia is the global media independent. We're committed to doing media and business the right way, guided by the principles of TRUST, REASON and the pursuit of HAPPINESS. Crossmedia US was founded in NY in 2000 and is one of the largest minority-owned full-service media planning & buying agencies in the nation. Together with our network partners in the UK and Germany, we are 500+ Crossmedians worldwide with big ambitions to continue to grow with soul. We focus on what media agencies should do: create innovative connections between brands and people regardless of channel or budget. And we do it in an honest way. We are and always have been a values-based organization. We earn our clients' TRUST by ensuring media transparency in our business model and objectivity in decision-making. We apply REASON & logic to finding solutions to our clients' greatest business challenges. The pursuit of HAPPINESS matters to us. Big time. We invest in each colleague's professional & personal wellbeing and growth. It's why we have countless initiatives, clubs & cultural events dedicated to our people and why we've been the top ranked media agency named to Ad Age's Best Places to Work for the past five years in a row. Our client roster includes US Bank, PWC, Invesco, Newell Brands, NASCAR, Planet Fitness, Teremana, American Cancer Society, White Castle, Ricola, Supercuts, Edibles, Illva Saronno and more. UK clients include Airbus, Etihad Airways, S & P Global, Zalando, and more. YOUR ROLEReporting directly to our Chief People Officer and a member of Crossmedia's People Team, the Director, Benefits & People Operations has oversight of all administrative, compliance, tech, data, policy and best practices within the HR function and is responsible for the evaluation, negotiation, planning and execution of our benefits programs. This role requires proximity to our New York City office. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of working onsite, and the flexibility to work from home.A team-player and culture champion. Your passion for company culture is infectious, and you love developing internal relationships. You love being part of a team, bringing people together, and building a thriving community.People-oriented. You are resourceful, and attentive, and know how to communicate with different personalities and a variety of management styles. You are approachable and have a "what can I do to help you?" mentality.A self-starter. You know how to solve problems and being proactive comes second nature to you. You are a good listener and are not afraid to step up and present new ideas. You relish the challenge of finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently. can balance multiple high-priority projects and tasks. A continuous learner. You are a lover of legislation. You make it your business to stay on top of changes in laws impacting everything from taxation to DEI to employment agreements, separations and everything in between. You embrace continuous learning and self-innovation. RESPONSIBILITIESBenefits Administration:You will oversee the administration and compliance of various employee benefit programs. This role requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, with experience in US and international (UK, Germany, Canada).Lead the administration of all healthcare and retirement plans, including qualified plans and innovative non-qualified plans, and implement programs to assist employees in planning for future financial security.Develop and implement strategic approach to long-term health care cost containment in a complex and rapidly evolving health care environment while ensuring competitiveness and participant satisfaction.Oversee administration of various benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life, accident, and disability insurance, EAP, paid time off, and leave administration (e.g., FMLA, STD, LTD).Ensure compliance with US and UK labor laws and regulations, including those related to pensions, health insurance, and leave entitlements.Administer 401(k) plan, maintain records, manage contributions, and ensure timely reporting in collaboration with our finance team. Assist employees with new hire benefits orientation, annual open enrollment, and clarifying policies on benefits eligibility, coverage, and applicability.Plan Design and Vendor Management:Work with internal leadership and external brokers to conduct annual benefits review, conduct research, analyze plan options, perform cost analysis, and make recommendations to CPO and CFO.Manage relationships with benefits partners for escalated support needs, including claims administration, appeals, COBRA, retirement administration, and HRIS data integrity.Reconcile and submit for payment all benefits invoices, automate the process of invoice reconciliation, and maintain accurate records of pliance and Legal:Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, ensuring all benefit programs are compliant and up-to-date, including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, DOL, and IRS (e.g., IRS Form 5500 series).Continuously review benefits periodicals and publications to remain current on benefit plan legal requirements and monitor proposed benefits legislation.Monitor evolving federal, state, and local employment-related legal requirements and develop strategies to ensure that the agency's HR policies and practices are consistent with current requirements.Partnering with the finance team on 401K auditsAdvise internal HR leadership across various jurisdictions on a wide range of compliance matters.Identify and lead the agencies response to new regulatory requirements. Coordinate with counsel, as necessary, regarding complex, sensitive compliance munication and Employee Education:Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits programs, such as insurance plans, 401(k), and special employer-sponsored plans.Conduct special education sessions to help employees understand company benefits and wellness programs.Design and deploy inclusive programs in the areas of wellbeing, retirement and financial security, healthcare, and family support, among others, to create an environment of belonging and ensure Crossmedia remains an employer of choice.Develop and implement industry-leading holistic well-being program to address issues of mental health and substance misuse within our organization.Data Analysis and Reporting:Skilled in using data analytics and reporting to assess and improve the effectiveness of benefits programs, making data-driven decisions to optimize employee satisfaction and cost-efficiency.Responsible for data analysis and reporting, including presentation design for senior management, related to HR metrics such headcount, attrition, retention, DEI metrics, etc. as well as conducting and reporting on onboarding and exit survey feedback and insights. HR Systems: Direct the selection, design, implementation, maintenance, and evolution of recruiting, compensation, performance management, and retirement plan administration systems.A strong understanding of HRIS systems and technology to streamline and enhance the benefits administration processes.Budget management, implementation and oversight of contracts and relationships with various HR management systems such as UKG, Bob and GreenhouseManaging internal databasesPolicy Review Review and update personnel policies and make recommendations for changes to the employee handbook to ensure adherence to statutory requirements and alignment with organizational culture.Employee Relations Issues and Processes:Partner with People Partner team to oversee all aspects of separations, including compliance with applicable laws, COBRA administration, and delivering continuation of employee benefits.Partner with People Partner to assist in employee relations issue involving sensitive subjects or complicated situations where legal issues may exist.Wellness and Financial Wellness Education and Engagement: Administer effective wellness strategies to improve employee health, well-being, and engagement through various programs and initiativesAdminister effective financial wellness education to improve understanding and application through various programs and initiativesInternational:While most of our employees are in the US, we have a small office in the UK and are looking to continue to expand globally so strong international HR experience is a plus - from benefits evaluation and administration to compliance to employee relations issues and management. QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree12+ years of related benefits design and administration as well as HR operations and policiesExperience managing vendorbroker relationshipsExperience supporting annual benefits reviewExperience giving guidance for internationalMust be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, possess strong organizational skills and prioritization skills, work independently, and meet urgent deadlineExcellent written communication skills, including prior experience developing and documenting policies; excellent verbal communication skills, including preparing and conducting presentations.This role requires proximity to our New York City. We offer a hybrid work setting with working onsite and flexibility to work from home.Salary: $125,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience. Compensation is determined on the skills, qualifications and tenure of the applicant.CROSSMEDIA BENEFITSOur principles of Trust, Reason, and the Pursuit of Happiness are brought to life through benefits that recognize and support the diversity and physical, emotional, and professional well-being of our people, including:Flexibility to work in hybrid manner with in-office and work from home options (depending on role). OpenFlexible PTO with US & UK specific policies Paid sabbatical at significant milestone anniversariesSponsored healthcare options and agency-wide physical & mental health support 401(k) with company match (USA), and generous Pension (UK) Generous paid parental leave policyLife milestone recognition & supportThe Pursuit of Happiness Fund devoted to helping Crossmedians find their happy (be it travel, enrichment class, fitness membership or professional development)Cell phonetech reimbursementStudent Loan payment plan Tuition reimbursementLearning & Development and training programsAnd burgers - lots and lots of burgersCOMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIONDiversity is in our DNA. As a minority-owned company, our commitment to an inclusive environment has long been embedded into agency practices and at every level. Almost one third of senior leadership identifies as a person of color and over half of our executive leadership are women. We have active mentoring & internship programs that create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Internal agency programming is anchored by XMEquity365, a permanent, year-round initiative fostering acknowledgement and support of marginalized communities within five pillars - Excellence, Voices, Education, Giving & Representation.Crossmedia is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and creating a diverse and inclusive company culture and that does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements, business necessities andor to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisormanager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws).Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis." Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.Ability to stand, bend, and reachConstantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Crossmedia, please email .

Created: 2024-12-21