System Director HR Benefits Finance and Data Analytics

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

Job Summary / Purpose
This position will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive data and analytics strategy for CommonSpirit’s benefits programs. This role will leverage data to drive strategic decision-making, optimize program performance, and ensure the financial health and sustainability of our benefits offerings. Responsibilities include the financial management, cost projections, budgeting, reporting and data analytics for over $1 billion annual worth of plans including medical, pharmacy, life, short and long term disability, flexible and health spending accounts, vision, dental, paid-time-off benefit programs and retirement plans. This position leverages advanced analytical techniques, including predictive modeling, to forecast future benefits, costs and utilization.  Inform strategic planning and resource allocation decisions. Strong interpersonal communication, collaboration, analytical and technical computer and project management skills will be critical attributes in determining the success of this position.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities

• Strategy - Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategy for benefits data and analytics, aligning with overall business objectives, regional needs and total rewards philosophies. In collaboration with Benefits CoE leadership supports development of benefit plan strategies, designs, financial projections and monitors/reports benefits cost. Designs and implements key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness and efficiency of benefits programs.  Develop dashboards and reporting tools to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement. Manages all financial, budgeting and data analytics/reporting projects for all enterprise-wide and regional/market benefit projects.
• Health, Welfare and Wellness Financial Management - Responsible for current and future benefit cost management, health, welfare, time off benefit utilization and cost and utilization; works closely with consultants/actuaries, benefits team and system finance group to ensure full collaboration on financial matters impacting benefit programs including the development of financial controls. Working with the System Vice President Rewards and Benefits Strategy and the System Director, Health & Welfare Benefits, develops self-insured rates, including assumption development, rollout of renewal rates to markets, creates annual employee contribution strategy and communications to CommonSpirit Health leadership throughout the processfor all health and welfare plans. Develops and designs detailed budgeting advice for division/market finance and HR leaders for fiscal year benefits budget projections of greater than $1 billion. Responsible for CommonSpirit’s annual system-wide benefit and departmental operational budget cycle including fiscal year assumptions and guidance, ongoing tracking of budget performance and long-range projections.
• Retirement Plan Financial Management – Provides financial/budgeting support to System Director, Retirement Plans and Regions as needed.  Oversees the accruals for the annual employer contribution to the 401(k) plans and annual match true up.
• Data analytics/Reporting/Compliance – Leads data analytics, data tracking and reporting developed for benefits team, HR, regions, local markets and CommonSpirit leadership to manage programs and CommonSpirit workforce by using CommonSpirit data warehouse; develop and manage ongoing performance communications tools, including dashboards, benchmarking and ad hoc reporting. Develop and deliver comprehensive financial reports and analyses related to benefits program costs, utilization, and ROI.  Identify trends and opportunities for cost savings and program improvement.  Prepare presentations for senior leadership. In addition, responsible for legally required/compliance benefits reporting – Affordable Care Act eligibility, IRS and etc. Establish and maintain robust data governance processes, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and security across all benefits programs.
• Merger & Acquisitions – Responsible for providing benchmarking data for current benefits in relation to the rest of CommonSpirit Health as well as their local market and line of business.  This work includes providing cost/savings analysis related to the transition to CommonSpirit Health benefit programs.
• Benchmarking – Facilitates financial and benchmarking information sharing among CommonSpirit markets to enhance strategic direction relative to local benefit programs, local business needs or specific enterprise business/strategic needs.
• External Partner Management – Oversee the selection, implementation, and maintenance of data analytics tools and technologies.  Collaborate with IT/People Connection teams to ensure seamless integration with existing systems. Manages relationships with external partners including actuaries and consultants to set expectations and monitor their performance. Collaborates with members of the CommonSpirit People Connections and Finance/Accounting teams on ongoing benefit work, financial benefits audits, controls and ad hoc projects. 
• Managerial/Staff Development - Leads and mentors a team of a data manager and analyst, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience 
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.  Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and/or additional job-related experience in lieu of the degree. 10+ years of experience in benefits administration, data analytics, or a related field, preferably for a large, multi-site employer, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven experience developing and implementing data strategies and analytics solutions for large-scale benefits programs.

Required Licensure and Certifications
Graduate degree or CEBS certification preferred.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training
Language and Communication Ability: Knowledge of the concepts, tools and techniques for effective listening and communicating; ability to apply these theories to receive, transmit and accurately interpret information and ideas. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Math Ability: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Expertise in MS Excel and/or Google Sheets is required.

Decision Making and Reasoning Ability: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques. Ability to define problems, collect and interpret data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Influencing Ability: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside the organization.