Manager-Benefits and Leaves

The Manager-Benefits and Leaves  serves as a subject matter expert for the Midland College benefits and leave programs in alignment with and under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership. This role will oversee an HR Generalist while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and providing exceptional customer service.

• Administer all leave programs in accordance with MC policies and federal regulations, while providing guidance to employees and supervisors on leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures
• Monitor leave balances and coordinate with Payroll to ensure accurate tracking, compliance, and reporting
• Administers employee benefits programs, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, and health savings accounts
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations 
• Oversee annual open enrollment and benefits communication campaigns
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee leave and benefits records
• Prepare routine reports and analysis to support HR initiatives
• In partnership with MC team members, develop and conduct orientation and onboarding programs for all newly hired staff 
• Prepare payment authorizations for reimbursement of insurance premiums to retirees 
• Reconciles, submits payments, and maintains records for employee premium contributions to ERS and other vendors for active employees and retirees
• Balance FMLA monthly and prepare rolling calendar usage reports 
• Assist with the preparation of reports and tax forms 
• Process workers compensation claims 
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with two years of experience working in benefits or leave administration, preferably in higher education, or at least 5 years of experience in benefits or leave administration
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Strong analytical and problem-resolution skills 
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and a high volume of activity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, and ERISA 
• Experience with HRIS systems 
• Reconciliation and reporting experience

Physical Demands:

• This position may require periodic evening and weekend hours, especially during peak periods (e.g., open enrollment, payroll, August/September) 
• Travel may be required for training or conferences 
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move or drive to other locations on and off campus
• This position may require occasional travel for training, meetings, and events both in and out of town
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• The person in this position frequently communicates with others verbally and electronically; must be able to exchange accurate information
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus 
• Frequently moves equipment or paperwork weighing up to 20 pounds
• Office environment