Director, Employee Benefits, Advantage Dental+

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Internal candidates are not required to relocate near an office.

The opportunity:

The Director, Employee Benefits, Advantage Dental+ (AD+) will play a key role in helping to shape and communicate the strategic direction for health and welfare plans, retirement plans, wellness and leave of absence programs for AD+ employees, focusing on short and long-term goals.

How you will contribute:

• As a member of the Total Benefits Leadership team, help drive the strategic direction of AD+ benefit programs, aligning with overall business objectives and long-term organizational goals

• Drive the development and execution of health, welfare, retirement, wellness and leave of absence strategies that enhance employee experience while optimizing costs

• Lead data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics, industry trends, and market insights to inform long-term benefit strategies and program design

• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key vendors, negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and cost management

• Collaborate with senior leadership, including finance and actuarial teams, to develop forward-looking pricing models and contribution strategies that balance employee needs with financial objectives

• Foster a high performing team and provide strategic leadership and development to direct reports through coaching, continuous feedback, sharing expertise, and providing new experiences

• Evaluate health and welfare, 401(k) plan performance and leave of absence programs to identify trend drivers and recommend strategic opportunities for optimization

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to promote benefit programs and drive engagement

• Ensure benefit plans are compliant with all federal laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) as well as applicable state and local regulations

• Lead large-scale projects and change initiatives with a focus on stakeholder engagement, seamless integration, risk management and operational excellence

• Develop and implement opportunities to improve procedures and efficiencies

• Proactively stay current on industry best practices, legislation and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are optimized and compliant

• Manage integrations of acquired companies

What you will bring with you:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

• 10+ years of experience managing employee benefits for complex mid-size to large organizations, with a strong focus on innovative solutions, employee experience and financial management

• 2+ years of experience leading teams

• Deep expertise and experience in the design, administration and implementation of health and welfare and retirement plans

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions a plus

• Solid knowledge and understanding of HR programs and connections

• Knowledge of leave processes (short-term and long-term disability, FMLA, state leaves, work accommodations) and benefits compliance

• Strong decision-making and organizational skills

• Action-oriented, focused on execution, improving employees’ experience through continuous improvement, and operational excellence

• Excellent interpersonal/communications skills

• Skilled in stakeholder management, as well as proven ability to build and facilitate relationships and influence others at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally

• Excellent project management and planning skills including the ability to lead, plan, and organize complex assignments

• Excellent excel and analytical skills with ability to summarize results in understandable format with insights

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and problem solve complex issues

• Ability to work well independently or collaboratively as needed and succeed in a fast paced, fluid environment

Salary Range: $145,000 - $217,500

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All 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.

Human Resources

09/11/2025