Assistant Director: Health and Welfare

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Benefits department in our Chicago office, as an Assistant Director: Health and Welfare.This position is responsible for managing the administration and analysis of all health & welfare insurance programs in the U.S. Overall responsibility includes health insurance (medical; including retiree medical, dental, and vision), life/AD&D, worker’s compensation, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, flexible spending accounts, global business travel insurance, international health plan (Health and Life/Disability). Assures compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations effecting the administration of these plans, including ACA. Will work on a global level on review of plan offerings and enhancements, along with the Senior Director: Global Benefits & Well-being.Essential Functions: Accounts for the management the administration and analysis of all health & welfare insurance programsManages the health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life/AD&D, workers’ compensation, STD involvement, LTD, flexible spending accounts, global business travel insurance, and international health plan (Health and Life/Disability) including Open EnrollmentDevelops new programs, enhancements and streamline processes as appropriate Assures compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations effecting the administration of these plans, including contract/booklets review and ACA (1095Cs and Employer reporting)Develops and implements policies and procedures for employee benefit plans. Ensures appropriate audit procedures for such plansOversees maintenance of employee Health & Welfare benefit records. Manages staff responsible for accurate communication and administration of changes to benefit enrollmentOversees management of benefits staff responsible for areas of workers’ compensation, Long-term disability and COBRA compliance. Ensures accurate administration of programs and compliance with reporting requirements, including ACA (annual 1095s and Firm Reporting)Work with the Senior Director: Global Benefits & Well-Being and Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare to vet, develop, coordinate, communicate and implement well-being programs and eventsOffers guidance, insight and assistance regarding LOA administration Partners with brokers and consultants on H&W plan renewals, reporting, meetings, etc. Manages vendors for out-sourced processes such as COBRAWorks with consultants/brokers to assure annual notices, PCORI Tax and H&W 5500 are filed timely and responsible for communicating SARsWorks with Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare on non-qualified H&W benefit programs (EAP, Bright Horizons emergency child/elder care)Collaborates with Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare to coordinate annual Wellness Fair. Provides guidance and support to division Wellness initiatives (including annual flu shots) to assure consistency across the FirmManages global business travel policy, contract review, and portalManages global secondee/international medical and life insurance plan offeringsOversees the maintenance of employee Health & Welfare benefit records. Manages staff responsible for accurate communication and administration of changes to benefit enrollment (via PeopleSoft Ben Admin)Responsible for assuring all H&W related invoices are timely and accurate and for annual budgetingCommunicates with employees and administration regarding benefits program and provide information upon requestPrepares and/or distributes management reports in response to requestsPartners with HRIS/HRIT and Assistant Director: Retirement, and Senior Analyst: Health & Welfare to assure People Soft BenAdmin programming, interfaces, configuration changes, testing, etc. needs as related to H&W administration are met. Member of Welfare Benefit CommitteeCross trains on AD of Retirement Services - U.S. job dutiesPerforms other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectivesEducation/Training/Certifications:Bachelor’s Degree requiredAdvanced degree preferredProfessional Experience: Minimum of five years of previous benefits management experience requiredPrior experience working on a professional services setting preferredTechnical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, requiredExtensive experience with H&W insurance program administration, required Experience with retirement savings plan program administration, preferredStrong knowledge of automated systems, both with third-party vendors as well as payroll/HRIS systems as it relates to benefit programs, requiredStrong analytical and numerical ability, required Proven working knowledge of ERISA, Department of Labor and IRS regulations as they pertain to benefit and retirement plan programs, required Hands on knowledge of Excel and PeopleSoft Query reporting, preferred Performance Traits:Must be highly analytical and have ability to manage annual projects from planning through to final audit and maintenance of enrollment in plans. Must be able to communicate well in both written and verbal form.Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendorsAbility to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the FirmAbility to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting prioritiesMust be a self-starter with a high level of initiativeStrong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretionExercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skillsManagement Accountabilities:Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counsellingDemonstrated leadership and supervisory experienceOperational budget analysis and recommendationsConducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment processAble to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficienciesProcess- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skillsAble to set priorities and delegate in an efficient mannerPhysical Requirements: May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.May require travel to other offices as neededThe typical pay scale for this position is between $180,000 and $238,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.#LI-HYBRID #LI-LG1

Created: 2026-03-07