The United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds (the "Funds") is a critical institution established to provide health and retirement benefits to retired coal miners, their families, and survivors. Formed in 1946 as part of the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement, the Funds have evolved into a robust organization that administers multiple benefit plans, including pensions, healthcare, and death benefits. At present, the Funds provides benefits to approximately 68,000 pension beneficiaries and nearly 53,000 health beneficiaries.
The Funds primarily serves retirees who worked in the coal industry, recognizing the unique challenges and risks associated with the profession. The organization operates under beneficiary-focused principles set forth by the UMWA and adheres to collective bargaining agreements and federal legislation to ensure that the beneficiaries receive the benefits they have earned.
Core Functions:
Health Benefits: The Funds provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits. The organization works closely with cooperating healthcare providers and key vendors to ensure that retired miners and their dependents have access to necessary medical services. The Funds also focuses on preventive care and managing chronic conditions prevalent among the coal mining population.
Retirement Benefits: The Funds manages various pension plans, ensuring that retired miners receive a stable income post-retirement. These pensions are critical for the financial well-being of the beneficiaries, many of whom rely heavily on this income for their livelihood.
Survivor Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a miner's death, the Funds provide death benefits and continued healthcare coverage for eligible survivors, ensuring that the families receive support during difficult times.
Compliance and Regulatory Engagement: The Funds is committed to ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The organization actively works with federal agencies and legislative bodies to protect the benefits of its beneficiaries and maintains an effective relationship with the Office of Surface Mining to ensure the continued support and proper administration of the Funds' programs?.
Impact and Reach: The Funds currently serve tens of thousands of beneficiaries across the United States, primarily in coal mining regions. The organization plays a pivotal role in sustaining the quality of life for retired miners and their families, particularly in communities where coal mining was a major industry. Through diligent management the Funds continue to uphold its commitment to the health and financial security of its beneficiaries.
SUMMARY:
The Executive Director (ED) of the Funds is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for overseeing the administration and delivery of pension benefits to about 68,000 beneficiaries and health benefits to nearly 53,000 health beneficiaries. The ED manages and directs the organization's diverse portfolio of six trusts, including four dedicated to healthcare, one pension trust, and one Cash Deferred Savings Plan. With pension and health assets exceeding $3.6 billion and a full-time staff of approximately 180 employees, the ED ensures that the Funds operate efficiently and effectively, maintaining the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility.
Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the ED collaborates closely with the Board, key management staff, and other stakeholders to implement the policies and organizational objectives mandated by the Trustees.
This role involves a hands-on leadership approach to relationship cultivation and operational excellence, ensuring that the Funds are well-positioned to meet current and future challenges. The ED is also responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring that the Funds have the vision and resources necessary to carry out their mission within a complex administrative structure.
The ED will also represent the organization in interactions with external entities, including the United Mine Workers of America, the Bituminous Coal Operators' Association, government agencies, and the media. The role requires a deep understanding of Taft-Hartley Trusts, pension asset management, ERISA, and healthcare pre-payment programs, as well as a strong working knowledge of legislation relevant to the coal industry.
The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with extensive experience in managing complex organizations, particularly within the healthcare and retirement benefits sectors. Experience working with or within unionized environments is valuable, as it will enable the candidate to effectively navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in such settings. They will possess exceptional communication skills, and the ability to synthesize and make data actionable. The ED must be a charismatic, visionary leader capable of rallying internal and external stakeholders to advance the Funds' mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Governance:
Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Funds, ensuring that all organizational activities align with the mission of delivering pension and health benefits to about 68,000 beneficiaries.
Oversee and manage nine key departments: Office of the Executive Director, Operations and Program Development, Eligibility Services, Finance, Human Resources and General Services, Office of General Counsel, Systems, Research and Analysis, and Investments.
Work closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement long-term strategic plans, setting clear objectives and ensuring that the organization has the vision and resources necessary to fulfill its mission.
Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
Strategic Financial Oversight and Leadership:
Provide high-level oversight and strategic direction for the financial health and sustainability of the health and welfare fund, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
Oversee the Finance department, guiding the CFO in the development and execution of financial strategies, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to support long-term organizational success.
Ensure that the Finance department delivers accurate and timely financial data to inform critical strategic decisions, maintaining a focus on the broader impact on the fund and its beneficiaries.
Promote the adoption of cost-effective financial practices across the organization, ensuring that high-quality health and welfare services are delivered efficiently and sustainably.
Maintain overall accountability for compliance with financial regulations and standards, with detailed execution and oversight delegated to the CFO and finance team.
Strategic Technology and Innovation:
Lead the strategic use of technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and protect information security.
Identify opportunities for innovation in service delivery, program development, and operational efficiency, ensuring that the Funds remain responsive to the changing needs of beneficiaries and the broader industry.
Program Management and Development:
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs and services, ensuring they meet the needs of beneficiaries and align with the strategic objectives of the Funds.
Coordinate the efforts of the nine departments to ensure cohesive and efficient operations, fostering collaboration and innovation across the organization.
Lead the strategic planning process, ensuring that all programs and initiatives are aligned with the Funds' mission and goals.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
Represent the Funds with external entities, including Settlors (the United Mine Workers of America and the Bituminous Coal Operators' Association), government agencies, the media, and other key stakeholders.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with these stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication that supports the organization's goals.
Act as the primary spokesperson for the Funds, effectively communicating its mission, values, and objectives to a wide range of audiences.
Regulatory Compliance, Governmental Relations, and Risk Management:
Ensure that all organizational activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including ERISA, the Coal Act, SMCRA and other applicable legislation.
Actively engage with legislative and executive branches of government to protect the benefits of the Funds' beneficiaries.
Implement and oversee comprehensive risk management strategies, ensuring the organization is prepared to address potential challenges, including those related to pandemics and other operational disruptions.
Team Leadership and Development:
Provide leadership and guidance to Department Directors, setting performance expectations, evaluating progress, and providing professional development opportunities to foster a high-performing team.
Ensure that the organization attracts, develops, and retains talented staff, creating a positive work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Promote a culture of integrity, respect, and commitment to the organization's mission.
Organizational Excellence and Continuous Improvement:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and implementing best practices in internal controls, audit processes, and organizational governance.
Ensure the Funds are well-managed and effectively governed, positioning the organization as a model of excellence within the Taft-Hartley community and as an employer of choice.
Education & Experience:
Master's degree (MA) or equivalent plus at least ten to fifteen years related experience and/or training, of which six to eight years should be managerial or supervisory, or equivalent combination.