Senior Leave Management Specialist

About the role

This role is responsible for the administration, consultation, and continuous improvement of employee leave of absence programs and processes. This role serves as a subject matter expert for leave and disability programs, partnering with employees, managers, Human Resources, payroll, and third-party administrators to ensure leave programs are administered consistently, compliantly, and with a focus on employee experience. The Senior Leaves Specialist manages complex leave cases, provides guidance on applicable regulations and company policies, and identifies opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and program delivery.

Essential Functions

• Administer and manage employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state and local leave programs, parental leave, military leave, disability-related leaves, and other absence management programs.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for employees, managers, and HR partners, providing guidance on leave policies, eligibility requirements, regulatory obligations, and complex case situations.
• Manage complex leave and accommodation cases from intake through resolution, ensuring timely communication, accurate documentation, and compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Partner with third-party administrators, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and HR teams to coordinate leave administration activities and resolve issues effectively.
• Monitor regulatory developments and conduct audits of leave processes, case files, and transactions to ensure compliance, data accuracy, and policy adherence.
• Analyze leave metrics and trends, identify opportunities for process improvement, and support projects related to leave administration, system enhancements, and employee experience.

Typical Scope

• Applies best practices and knowledge of internal/external business challenges to improve products, processes or services.
• Is accountable for small projects or programs with manageable risks and resource requirements.
• Resolves difficult and complex problems using judgment and analysis; contributes to problem solving in collaborative settings.
• Interprets policies and adapts them to new situations.
• Demonstrates judgment in selecting methods to solve problems that have cross-functional impacts or require balancing competing priorities.
• Applies advanced knowledge of job area with experienced understanding of functional area.
• Typically receives little instruction on daily work. Works independently within defined specialties; adapts methods and procedures for routine work with minimal oversight.
• Accountable for deliverables. May mentor others and coach or review their work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)
• Minimum 4 years of experience supporting leave of absence and ADA programs
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, USERRA, paid family and medical leave programs, and workplace accommodation requirements.
• Experience administering complex leave of absence and disability programs, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive employee situations with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and a customer-focused approach.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulations, assess risk, and develop practical solutions for complex cases.
• Experience collaborating with third-party leave administrators, disability carriers, payroll teams, and HR business partners to deliver effective leave management services.
• Proficiency with HRIS, leave management systems, case management tools, and Microsoft Office applications, along with strong communication and organizational skills.

Pay & Schedule

• Target Compensation: $83,000 - $99,500 annually
• Schedule: Monday - Friday 8-5

Benefits

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)