Benefits Program Lead

The Team:
The Corporate team unites a variety of functions at Morningstar including design, marketing, finance, quality, human resources, corporate communications, legal, compliance, strategic planning, and technology with the goal of keeping our business running smoothly. Each of these functions plays an essential role in supporting our company's infrastructure, day-to-day operations, and ongoing strategic initiatives.
The Role:
We believe that people are our most important asset. Our people-through their creativity, talent, and willingness to learn-are essential to the success of our company. We are looking for a bright, experienced, and proactive individual to serve as a Benefits Program Lead on our Total Rewards team.
This role serves as a senior-level benefits professional, responsible for leading the administration and continuous improvement of health, welfare, and retirement programs across the Americas. The Benefits Program Lead will provide operational leadership, vendor oversight, and strategic design input to the benefits team, enhancing employee experience along the way. Reporting to the Director of Global Benefits, this individual will also have the opportunity to support global benefits initiatives and play a critical role in compliance, data analysis, and employee engagement.
This role is based in our Chicago office, where we operate in a hybrid environment (3 days/week in office).
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead the day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs, ensuring operational excellence and timely execution.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex employee inquiries and benefit issues.

• Partner with the Director of Global Benefits to evaluate and implement program enhancements and process improvements.

• Mentor and provide guidance to more junior Rewards & Operations team members, supporting their development and ensuring consistency in service delivery.

Annual Enrollment & Strategic Projects

• Oversee planning and execution of annual enrollment, including project timelines, vendor coordination, and employee communications.

• Manage cross-functional initiatives related to benefits strategy, employee experience, and global harmonization efforts.

• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure benefits programs are functional, compliant and funded.

Compliance & Vendor Management

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, etc.) and support audits and filings.

• Oversee vendor relationships, monitor service level agreements, and lead resolution of escalated issues.

• Evaluate vendor performance and contribute to RFPs and contract renewals as needed.

Employee Communication & Engagement

• Develop and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications and educational materials.

• Lead benefits-related training sessions and support employee engagement campaigns.

• Maintain and enhance benefits content on internal platforms and vendor portals.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze benefits data to identify trends, utilization patterns, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare dashboards and reports for executive leadership to inform decision-making and program strategy.

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to benefits programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

• 3+ years of experience in benefits administration or total rewards, with increasing responsibility.

• Knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations and best practices.

• Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday preferred), Excel and other tools for data analysis and reporting.

• Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide-range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health
  • 75% 401k match up to 7%
  • Stock Ownership Potential
  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health
  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health
  • Trust-Based Time Off
  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Bonding Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Education Stipend
  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health
  • Charitable Matching Gifts program
  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
  • Paid volunteering days
  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Base Salary Compensation Range
$82,244.00 - 139,800.00 USD Annual
Total Cash Compensation Range
$92,525.00 - 157,275.00 USD Annual
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
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