Leave of Absence Manager

About the Role

The Leave of Absence Manager is responsible for the administration, compliance, and oversight of all leave programs across the Firm, including federal, state, and local protected leaves and firm-sponsored leave benefits. This role serves as the firm’s subject matter expert on leave management, ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The manager partners closely with employee relations, HR operations, benefits, payroll, privacy, compliance teams, and the firm’s employment counsel to support individuals through the leave process, ensuring clear communication, relevant documentation, and effective return-to-work coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of employee leaves of absence from intake through return-to-work.
• Review leave requests, evaluate eligibility in partnership with the third-party disability administrator, issue required notices, coordinate return-to-work activities (including fitness-for-duty requirements and restrictions), and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Track leave usage, entitlement balances, intermittent leave schedules, and return-to-work dates.
• Administer federal, state, and local leave programs, including FMLA, pregnancy-related and parental leave, military leave (USERRA), state family and medical leave programs, paid family and medical leave programs, sick leave, jury duty, bereavement, and other statutory or firm-provided leaves.
• Supervise, train, and coach the Leave of Absence Analyst, including work prioritization, quality review of case documentation and notices, and escalation support to ensure consistent, timely, and compliant case handling.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local leave laws and firm policy; remain current on legislative changes and advise firm leadership of updates.
• Maintain accurate, confidential leave records and case notes in HR Acuity and Workday; ensure confidentiality of medical and leave-related information.
• Partner with benefits and payroll teams to coordinate pay and benefit impacts.
• Collaborate with the employee relations team to support workforce planning during absences and workplace accommodations upon return to work.
• Manage the relationship with the third-party disability administrator, including service levels and issue resolution.
• Coordinate leave administration with short-term disability, long-term disability, workers' compensation, and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding leave entitlements, benefits, and return-to-work requirements.
• Counsel managers on leave-related issues, employee rights, and operational considerations.
• Support employees through sensitive and complex leave situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Support audits, inquiries, and escalations by gathering records, documenting decisions, and partnering with employment counsel as needed.
• Develop and maintain leave-related metrics, dashboards, and reports.
• Implement best practices, automation, and workflow efficiencies within leave administration processes.
• Participate in HR technology implementations and enhancements related to leave tracking and case management.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule with full attention to work activities during business hours.
• Handle special projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in leave of absence administration, benefits/HR operations, or a related HR specialty with direct case management responsibilities.
• Experience interpreting and applying leave policies and compliance requirements and partnering with managers and employees in a consultative manner.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR) is a plus.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of leave of absence laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and case management abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and employee-relations skills.
• Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally with empathy.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS and leave management systems, with strong attention to data quality.
• Project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with other teams and stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of a computer and keyboard for email, documentation, and case management activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, and vendors (in-person and/or via phone/video).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental, and vision plans, including coverage for domestic partners.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs.
• FSAs for dependent care.
• Health advocacy services.
• Behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members.
• 401(k) and profit sharing.
• Backup dependent care and senior care planning support.
• Resources for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.
• Paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.