Overview
The organization is seeking a Corporate Counsel – Benefits Administration & Service Contracts to serve as a trusted legal advisor on employer-sponsored group health plan administration and related contract matters.
This role provides first-level legal support for operational compliance tied to utilization management programs, wellness program incentive administration, claims and appeals support, and clinical excellence initiatives. It also partners with cross-functional stakeholders to negotiate complex client and vendor contracts.
Responsibilities
- Negotiate and draft client, vendor, and partner contracts, including agreements with:
- Third-party administrators (TPAs)
- Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)
- Wellness vendors
- Stop-loss carriers
- Point solutions
- Insurance providers
- Provide legal counsel on the design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, wellness, and flexible spending account (FSA) programs
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and relevant state insurance requirements
- Draft, review, and maintain plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and participant communications to support regulatory compliance and clarity
- Respond to and resolve benefits-related disputes, claims, and appeals, including oversight of outside counsel when necessary
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting health and welfare benefits and implement updates to policies, procedures, and practices
- Support internal and external audits, Department of Labor investigations, and inquiries related to benefits administration and vendor contracts
- Provide education and training to internal stakeholders regarding fiduciary obligations, plan administration, and contract compliance requirements
- Participate in special projects and additional legal initiatives as assigned
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in a U.S. state
- 5 to 10 years of legal experience, including significant expertise in health and welfare benefits, ERISA fiduciary matters, and vendor contract negotiation and management
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, IRS regulations, and other laws affecting group health plans and employee benefits
- Strong understanding of fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA
- Demonstrated success negotiating and managing client and vendor contracts, including performance metrics and compliance obligations
- Ability to analyze complex legal issues and communicate recommendations clearly and effectively to business leaders
- Exceptional legal drafting, communication, and negotiation skills
- Strategic mindset with a practical, business-focused approach to legal problem-solving
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with competing priorities
- Strong technical proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration platforms such as Teams and Zoom
- Experience with Ironclad contract management software preferred
- High level of personal accountability, integrity, and commitment to organizational values, ethics, and data privacy requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- In-house counsel experience focused on employee benefits and health plans
- Benefits litigation experience
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: Competitive base and incentive compensation
- Coverage: Health, vision, and dental (including healthcare navigation services), plus life insurance, legal and identity protection, adoption assistance, EAP, Teladoc services, and more
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match and full vesting on day one
- Time Off & Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO), 7 paid holidays, parental leave, volunteer days, paid sabbaticals, and more
- Development: Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually; certification/continuing education reimbursement; discounted higher education partnerships; paid trainings and leadership development
Location
This position may be performed remotely anywhere within the United States or in a hybrid capacity from the Dublin, Ohio office.
Additional Information
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent and ongoing future basis without requiring sponsorship.
- The employer does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach from third parties. Payment to third parties will not be approved absent a signed MSA and request/approval from Talent Acquisition to submit candidates for a specific requisition.
- Compensation ranges published by job boards are estimates and not verified by the employer. Compensation details will be disclosed throughout the interview process and are based on the candidate’s unique combination of experience and qualifications related to the position.