Benefits & Leave Manager

Position Summary: The Benefits & Leave Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization's benefit and leave programs. This role ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, supports employees with benefit‐ and leave‐related needs, and oversees workflows that promote efficiency, accuracy, and excellent customer service. The Manager supervises staff involved in benefit and leave administration and serves as a key liaison between employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders. Essential Accountabilities Provide strategic leadership and oversight of employee benefits and leave programs, ensuring plans remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational objectives. Manage the daily administration of all health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs (medical, dental, 401k, STD/LTD, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, workers' compensation). Supervise and support benefit administrators, ensuring accurate processing, timely issue resolution, and a strong focus on customer service. Monitor leave requests, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and provide guidance to employees and managers on leave policies. Oversee accurate and timely reconciliation of benefit invoices, payroll deductions, and HRIS data feeds to carriers. Review, approve, and ensure compliance of retirement plan transactions. Help lead employee communications for benefits and leave, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and consistency across intranet, onboarding, and agency updates. Partner with HRIS to monitor, troubleshoot, and implement electronic data transmissions with benefit carriers. Support annual open enrollment, including coordination with vendors, preparation of employee materials, and administration of employee changes. Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, audits, and reporting requirements related to benefits and leaves. Provide coaching, training, and guidance to team members to strengthen operational performance and professional development. Serve as an escalation point for employee benefit and leave inquiries, resolving complex cases while maintaining confidentiality and compliance. Collaborate with the Benefits Director to implement process improvements, support strategic projects, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Help prepare and present reports on benefit and leave activity, employee utilization, and compliance issues for HR leadership review. Travel as necessary and maintain in‐office presence 2‐3 days a week to build better customer service for employees. Perform other HR duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field. 3+ years of progressive experience in HR roles, with demonstrated expertise in benefits and leave administration. Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices. Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, and problem‐solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. Proven managerial abilities and experience managing HR teams or projects. Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Seniority level Mid‐Senior level Employment type Full‐time Job function Human Resources Industry Individual and Family Services