Director, Benefits

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office on average three days per week.

Position Summary:

In this role, you'll lead the strategy, design, governance, and execution of Acadia’s U.S., Canada, and select global benefits, leave, retirement, wellness, and relocation programs. The role plays a key part in ensuring that all programs are competitive, compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with Acadia’s talent and culture strategy, while delivering a high-quality employee experience. You'll partners closely with People Business Partners (“PBPs”), HRIS, Payroll, Legal, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and external vendors to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the employee lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities:

Benefits Strategy & Program Design

• Lead the strategic design, evaluation, and evolution of U.S. and Canada health & welfare, retirement, wellness, leave, and relocation programs to support talent attraction, retention, and engagement


• Ensure benefit offerings remain competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with company values and business priorities


• Contribute to the long‑term People & Performance roadmap, including systems, vendor strategy, and program scalability

Benefits Operations & Administration

• Oversee day‑to‑day administration and vendor management for:
  
  
  
  • Health and welfare plans
  
  
  • 401(k) and Canada RRSP plans
  
  
  • Leaves of absence and disability programs
  
  
  • COBRA administration
  
  
  • Wellness initiatives and funding
  
  
  • Relocation program administration
  
  
  
  


• Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility management, premium deductions, vendor billings, and reconciliations


• Own and optimize the Benefits Enrollment via HRIS, ensuring data integrity, testing, reporting accuracy, and positive end‑user experience


• Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and vendors to ensure seamless integrations across systems and processes

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Federal, State, Local, and Canadian health, welfare, leave, and retirement regulations


• Oversee timely completion of all required filings and reporting, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Form 5500 filings
  
  
  • ACA reporting
  
  
  • PCORI
  
  
  • State required filings
  
  
  • Required employee notices and disclosures
  
  
  
  


• Maintain all plan documentation (plan documents, amendments, SPDs) and ensure ERISA and statutory compliance


• Serve as a key partner to Legal on benefits‑related compliance, risk, and audit matters

Leave of Absence, ADA & Employee Support

• Provide strategic oversight of all leave of absence programs (U.S. and Canada), ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and Acadia policy


• Administer and ensure compliance with the ADA interactive process; partner with managers, People Business Partners, Legal, and leadership on accommodation decisions


• Oversee the Acadia Parental Leave Pay (PLP) program, including employee guidance, payroll coordination, and payment accuracy


• Serve as a subject‑matter expert for escalated employee, manager, and PBP inquiries related to benefits, leaves, and accommodations

Wellness & Financial Well‑Being

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to design and implement wellness and well‑being programs that support physical, mental, and financial health


• Manage the annual Cigna Wellness Fund, including budgeting, governance, and utilization reporting


• Collaborate with Finance and vendors on cost tracking, trend analysis, and long‑term benefit cost projections

Communication & Change Enablement

• Lead the development of clear, engaging, and compliant employee communications related to benefits, open enrollment, and program changes


• Partner with vendors and the Engagement Team to deliver multi‑channel communications and education


• Oversee benefits content in new hire orientation, benefits websites, and internal communication platforms

Education, Experience & Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)


• Minimum 10 years of progressive benefits experience, including 5–6 years in a leadership or management capacity


• Strong experience administering and governing:
  
  
  
  • Health & welfare programs
  
  
  • 401(k) and/or retirement plans
  
  
  • Leaves of absence and disability programs
  
  
  • ACA and government reporting requirements
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or high‑growth technology environments


• International and multi‑country benefits experience


• Deep knowledge of California and multi‑state leave regulations


• Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leaders and navigate complex employee relations issues

Core Skills

• Strategic thinking paired with strong operational execution


• Vendor and systems management expertise


• Financial and analytical acumen related to benefit costs and trends


• Exceptional collaboration, judgment, and discretion with sensitive matters


• Strong communication and change management capabilities


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise HR systems


• Oversees the strategic design, development, and implementation of U.S and Global health and welfare plan program and modification, as necessary, to ensure benefit plans are competitive, compliant, and meet service level standards

Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs. 

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