Director - Risk & Analytics (FULLY REMOTE)

FTS, in collaboration with a leading client in the Employee Benefits space, is seeking a talented and motivated Director - Risk & Analytics to join its in-house. In this role, you will lead funding strategy, risk consulting, and financial analysis initiatives for the client's Employee Benefits practice.This is a highly visible leadership role for a benefits professional with deep expertise in self-funded health plans, stop loss, and alternative funding strategies. The Director will partner with consultants, sales leaders, and clients to evaluate risk, guide funding decisions, support complex renewals, and deliver actionable financial insights that improve outcomes for employers.The ideal candidate combines strong employee benefits knowledge with leadership experience and a consultative approach. This individual will lead a team of analytics and underwriting professionals while serving as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them navigate healthcare costs, funding arrangements, and long-term benefits strategy.This role is ideal for someone who has successfully advised employers on self-funded plan strategies, managed complex renewals, and can confidently translate financial and underwriting concepts into clear business recommendations.*** This is a FULLY REMOTE role ******Only U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders are eligible currently**Responsibilities/Duties:Market Leadership & StrategyLead the overall risk, underwriting, and analytics strategy for the Employee Benefits practice, ensuring alignment with client needs, renewal objectives, and business growth initiativesServe as the senior subject matter expert for funding strategy, healthcare risk, and financial analysisPartner with practice leadership to support client retention, business development efforts, and strategic growth through data-driven recommendations and funding solutions.Client & Prospect EngagementParticipate in client and prospective client meetings, particularly those involving complex renewals, self-funded opportunities, alternative funding evaluations, and high-cost healthcare populationsAct as a trusted advisor to employers, consultants, and sales professionals by translating complex financial, underwriting, and claims data into actionable business recommendationsSupport key client relationships, finalist presentations, and new business pursuits through strategic analysis and consultative guidance.Client Delivery & AdvisoryLead the development and delivery of financial and risk analyses for employer-sponsored health and welfare programs, including:Healthcare cost projections, claims analysis, and trend evaluationsPlan design and contribution strategy modelingBenchmarking and multi-year forecastingEvaluation of fully insured, level-funded, self-funded, and alternative funding arrangementsAssess the financial, operational, and risk implications of various funding approaches to help clients make informed decisions.Provide strategic guidance on renewals, carrier negotiations, underwriting considerations, and overall benefits strategySupport and oversee complex quoting and renewal processes, ensuring recommendations align with each client's objectives and risk tolerance.Stop Loss StrategyProvide leadership and oversight for stop loss strategy and placement activities across the Employee Benefits practiceEvaluate stop loss structures, carrier options, renewal strategies, and market conditions to support effective risk management and funding outcomesAdvise clients and internal stakeholders on claims experience, stop loss performance, risk exposure, and alternative funding considerations.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of underwriting, analytics, and financial professionalsProvide coaching on technical expertise, consultative client engagement, and strategic problem-solvingSupport recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and career development initiatives for team members.Operational Excellence, Scale & PartnershipEstablish processes, standards, and best practices that promote consistent, high-quality analytics and underwriting support across the practiceDrive operational efficiency while maintaining a high level of client service and technical excellencePartner with cross-functional stakeholders to enhance tools, resources, and service offerings that support continued growth.Continuous Improvement & CommunicationIdentify opportunities to strengthen analytics, underwriting, and risk consulting capabilities through ongoing feedback and market insightsCommunicate industry trends, funding strategies, and best practices to consultants, sales teams, and leadershipSupport the ongoing evolution of client solutions in response to changing market conditions and employer needs.Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements:Strong expertise in employee benefits financial analysis, underwriting, and risk evaluation, including healthcare cost projections, funding comparisons, and renewal strategyDeep understanding of employer-sponsored health and welfare programs, including fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded health plans.Demonstrated experience evaluating and advising on funding strategies, including:Self-funded health plansMedical stop loss programsLevel-funded and hybrid funding arrangementsAlternative funding models, including captives, ICHRA, and reference-based pricingProven ability to assess the financial, operational, and risk implications of various funding approaches and communicate recommendations effectively to clients and internal stakeholders.Experience supporting complex renewals, carrier negotiations, quoting activities, and underwriting strategyStrong understanding of claims trends, healthcare cost drivers, and risk management principles within the employee benefits spaceExceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial and underwriting concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for executive audiencesDemonstrated success in client-facing consulting environments, including presenting to HR leaders, finance executives, and decision-makersStrong leadership skills with experience managing, mentoring, and developing underwriting, analytics, or financial consulting teamsExcellent project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentEducation, Training and Experience:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience required7+ years of experience in employee benefits, health insurance, underwriting, risk consulting, financial analysis, or related disciplines3+ years of leadership experience managing teams, client engagements, or complex benefits and underwriting initiativesDemonstrated experience supporting mid-sized to large employer groups and navigating complex healthcare funding and renewal strategiesExperience leading underwriting, analytics, risk consulting, or employee benefits teams strongly preferredAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint requiredLife & Health Insurance License preferred.