Director, Benefits

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefits programs that support the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of employees. Reporting to the Vice President, Total Rewards, this role sets the vision for benefits strategy, ensures competitive and cost-effective offerings, and leads a high-performing team to deliver an exceptional employee experience. The Director partners cross-functionally to align benefits with organizational goals, manages vendor relationships, and provides financial oversight to maximize value and impact. This position is a key member of the HR Leadership Team, shaping the future of Total Rewards at Choice Hotels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking benefits strategy aligned with organizational objectives and Total Rewards philosophy.
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on benefits, wellbeing, and employee experience.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Benefits team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.

Vendor Management

• Oversee relationships with external benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure optimal service delivery, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Negotiate contracts, manage RFPs, and evaluate vendor performance using data-driven metrics.
• Ensure all programs meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Financial Management

• Provide financial oversight for all benefits programs, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Monitor benefits spend, identify opportunities for savings, and ensure strong controls for liabilities.
• Partner with Finance to align benefits strategy with organizational financial goals.

Wellbeing Experience Delivery

• Design and implement innovative wellbeing programs (physical, mental, financial) that address the diverse needs of employees.
• Regularly assess program utilization, satisfaction, and impact; adjust offerings for continuous improvement.
• Promote a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, integrating benefits with broader Total Rewards and talent strategies.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of benefits professionals, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
• Drive professional development and succession planning within the team.
• Compliance & Communication
• Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Communicate benefits options and changes clearly and effectively to employees and stakeholders.
• Stay current on industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices; proactively recommend enhancements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Employment Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy development, vendor management, financial oversight, and wellbeing program delivery in a complex, multi-site organization.

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations, plan design, and administration.
• Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and data analytics tools.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets.

Additional Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Exceptional leadership, team development, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CEBS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred.

SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is $160,546 to $188,641 annually. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP).

Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few:

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
• Employee recognition programs
• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide

About Choice

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We’re the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves — the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur — because that’s who we are, too.

At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today — for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward — giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business.

Our corporate office locations:

North Bethesda, MD — Located at Pike & Rose, our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.

Scottsdale, AZ — Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.

Minneapolis, MN — Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown.

Field/Remote — Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role.  

Choice’s Cultural Values

Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity

Choice’s Leadership Principles

Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver