Deputy Director, Benefits

The Masters, Mates and Pilots Benefit Plans (“the Plans”) located in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is currently seeking a Deputy Director, reporting directly to the Administrator. The Deputy Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects related to the administration of the Masters, Mates & Pilots Benefit Plans and ensuring the Plans’ goals and objectives are met. The Deputy Director works collaboratively with, and provides support to, the Administrator and also supervises the operational and IT directors and managers. This is a hands-on position that requires an experienced benefits professional who is able to function effectively with minimal direction. The Deputy Director is required to work in the office on a full-time basis (this is not a remote position).

The Plans include seven multiemployer benefit plans that were established pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between signatory companies and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (“MM&P”), and provide health, pension, vacation, training and 401(k) benefits primarily to members of MM&P.
MM&P members are professional mariners that include US-Coast Guard licensed masters and mates on US-flag commercial vessels on international voyages, on the inland waterways and on civilian-crewed ships in the federal government fleet, and masters, mates and other marine personnel who work on tugs, ferries, dredges and harbor tour vessels throughout the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations: Ensure financial and operational accuracy and compliance of the administration of the plans; establish and monitor operational policies, procedures and performance standards to ensure efficiency, accuracy and prompt, accurate service to participants; review difficult or complex benefit appeals, inquiries or escalated customer service issues; communicate plan and policy changes to the staff as needed; network regularly with professional organizations and colleagues in the industry; coordinate, prepare materials for and attend Board and Committee meetings as needed.
  
• Participate in strategic planning: Participate in business planning and budgeting process; support and monitor progress of implementation of organizational and strategic initiatives and other projects.
  
• Oversee supervision of staff: Lead and mentor a team of 36 directors, managers and staff members; monitor staff performance to ensure that employees are performing their jobs effectively and efficiently; confirm that appropriate staffing levels are maintained. Work with the HR Manager to hire, train and manage staff members to make sure that they have the skills needed to perform their jobs effectively.
  
• Ensure compliance: Maintain an understanding of ERISA, IRC, DOL and other requirements and other areas of fiduciary responsibility that arise in the administration of the Plans; confirm compliance with relevant plan statutes, regulations and requirements; consult with outside professionals on compliance matters as needed; make sure that government mandated forms and filings are completed timely; maintain a working knowledge of plan provisions for all benefit plans.
  
• Ensure adequate systems and technology: Ensure systems are maintained and updated to support the Plans’ recordkeeping, benefit processing and participant service needs; support IT staff with the implementation of new benefits administration systems, tools and technologies.
  
  

Requirements
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in benefits administration/ operations required. Minimum of seven (7) years of management experience required, including direct experience with executive-level decision making and interaction with executive management. Experience with Taft-Hartley benefit funds and working in a collectively bargained environment preferred.

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or commensurate related experience required. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CEBS) preferred.

Special Skills or Credentials:

• Experience with multiemployer fund operations and knowledge of pension, health and related employee benefit plans as well as related governmental/legislative regulations.
  
• Ability to interpret financial and operating information.
  
• Demonstrated leadership skills, excellent judgment and strong work ethic.
  
• Ability to direct and develop managers and staff in the area of employee benefit administration.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  
• Ability to act with integrity and confidentiality at all times.
  
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in order to meet deadlines.
  
• Flexible, team player that can lead effectively as well as provide support to others in leadership roles.
  
• Proficiency with current technologies, including benefits administration software and MS Office suite.
  
  

COVID 19 Vaccination Policy: There is a mandatory COVID 19 vaccination policy. Proof of vaccination prior to starting employment is required. Accommodation requests will be considered as mandated by law.

To Apply
The Plans offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience as well as a comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer paid health plan coverage, a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan and a generous time off policy. The Plans are an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements to [email protected]. Please include job reference code 0624MMPDDIF in the subject line or with your application.