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Maryland Department of Transportation · 2 months ago

Deputy Director of Human Resources

Maryland, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

The Maryland Transit Administration is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Deputy Director of Human Resources to lead and modernize programs in Benefits and Pension Administration, Leave Management, Employee Wellness, and Return to Work Programs. This role involves ensuring operational excellence and compliance in the administration of MTA’s self-funded employee health and pension plans while collaborating with various departments to support a large workforce.

ConsultingGovernmentTransportation

No H1B

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to Managers in the administration of the Benefits, Pension, Leave, Wellness, and Return to Work teams

Advise the HR Director and executive team on benefit funding trends, actuarial data, compliance risks, and cost-containment strategies

Oversee modernization efforts to improve HR processes, data governance, and integration with enterprise HRIS systems (e.g., Infor)

Serve as Acting HR Director when delegated

Direct the administration of MTA’s self-funded health, welfare, and pension plans, ensuring fiduciary accountability, governance, and compliance with applicable laws (IRS, ERISA exemptions for public entities, and state regulations)

Demonstrate knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, Worker’s Compensation, Leave of Absence, and applicable federal, state and local leave and employment laws

Oversee vendor and third-party administrator (TPA) relationships, including contract performance, service-level agreements (SLAs), and annual renewals

Ensure accurate plan data, employee eligibility, and contribution processing in collaboration with Payroll and HRIS teams

Prepare reports, metrics, and dashboards for executive management, finance, labor partners, and auditors

Support union negotiations related to benefits and pension plan provisions; interpret and apply collective bargaining language governing benefits eligibility and cost-sharing

Lead development, compliance, and administration of leave of absence programs (e.g. FMLA, LOA, Return to Work, and Attendance Improvement strategies)

Partner with internal departments in managing employee cases that require coordination with ADA, Workers’ Compensation, Labor Relations, and other relevant stakeholders

Develop and implement workforce strategies to improve attendance, engagement, and productivity

Utilize data analytics to monitor trends, reduce absenteeism, and inform policy updates

Oversee MTA’s wellness and preventive health programs; ensure alignment with agency goals for employee well-being, morale, and retention

Evaluate the effectiveness of wellness initiatives through participation metrics, health outcomes, and ROI analysis

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws; collective bargaining agreements; and internal policies

Maintain readiness for audits and internal reviews related to benefits, pension, or leave programs

Oversee development of policies, SOPs, and employee communications that promote transparency and understanding

Qualification

Benefits AdministrationPension ManagementUnion NegotiationsHRIS SystemsData AnalyticsCompliance KnowledgeEmployee Wellness ProgramsStrategic PlanningLeadershipCommunicationProblem SolvingTeam Management

Required

Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including three (3) years managing or overseeing benefits and/or pension programs—preferably within a self-funded or public-sector plan

Three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity

Demonstrate knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, Worker's Compensation, Leave of Absence, and applicable federal, state and local leave and employment laws

Employees assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license