Assistant Director of Employee Services

Syracuse City School District•Syracuse, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent supports the Director of Employee Services in the administration, oversight, and continuous improvement of employee benefits, compensation, absence and leave administration, workers' compensation, retirement services, employee wellness initiatives, safety programs, and other employee support services designed to attract, support, and retain a highly qualified workforce. The position is responsible for coordinating employee benefit programs; compensation plans and administration; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; managing relationships with benefit providers and third-party administrators; overseeing employee leave and retirement processes; monitoring workers' compensation and risk management activities; and developing systems and procedures that improve operational efficiency and employee service delivery. The Assistant Director serves as a key operational leader within the Human Resources Department and provides project management support for districtwide employee services initiatives. The incumbent analyzes employee services data, develops reports and recommendations, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and supports strategic workforce initiatives related to employee health, wellness, attendance, and retention. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Employee Services with considerable latitude for independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities. General supervision may be exercised over professional, technical, and support staff.

Requirements

Possession of a valid New York State School District Leader (SDL), School District Administrator (SDA), or School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) certificate.
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master's Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in employee benefits administration, leave administration, labor relations, human resources administration, risk management, workers' compensation, retirement administration, or a closely related field, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in employee benefits administration, leave administration, labor relations, human resources administration, risk management, workers' compensation, retirement administration, or a closely related field, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (B) and (C).

Nice To Haves

Experience in public education, higher education, government, or other large public-sector organizations.
Experience administering employee benefits, retirement, leave administration, workers' compensation, risk management, or employee wellness programs.
Experience supervising professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.
Experience utilizing HRIS, benefits administration, payroll, or employee services management systems.
Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-HR, CEBS, or a related credential.

Responsibilities

Assists in the administration and oversight of employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, and other employee benefit offerings.
Coordinates annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit orientations.
Serves as a resource to employees, supervisors, and administrators regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, and program requirements.
Monitors benefit utilization and plan performance and develops recommendations for program improvements.
Coordinates communications regarding benefit changes, program enhancements, and regulatory updates.
Assists in evaluating benefit offerings and vendor performance.
Oversees reconciliation processes related to employee benefit deductions and enrollment records.
Assists in the administration and oversight of accurate entry, maintenance, and auditing of compensation and position data to ensure compliance with bargaining unit agreements, compensation policies, and organizational requirements.
Ensures all employees receive appropriate compensation based on seniority, position requirements, and contractual obligations, including the timely and accurate processing of pay adjustments.
Assists in overseeing regular audits and reconciliations of employee, position, and compensation data; identifying discrepancies, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring records remain compliant and audit ready.
Collaborates with HR, Payroll, and departmental leadership to resolve data inconsistencies, support compliance efforts, and maintain accurate workforce information for reporting and decision-making.
Oversees employee leave administration programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family Leave (PFL), disability benefits, military leave, and contractual leave provisions.
Coordinates retirement counseling services and assists employees with retirement planning and transition processes.
Ensures compliance with New York State and federal laws governing employee leave and retirement programs.
Develops procedures and resources designed to improve employee understanding of available benefits and services.
Assists in the administration of employee assistance, wellness, and support programs.
Coordinates employee service initiatives designed to improve employee engagement, wellness, and workplace satisfaction.
Assists in administering workers' compensation, and related employee claims programs.
Coordinates investigations, claim documentation, and communication with third-party administrators, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.
Monitors claim activity, trends, costs, and program effectiveness.
Develops strategies to reduce workplace injuries, claims costs, absenteeism, and operational disruptions.
Assists in the implementation of safety initiatives and employee health programs.
Participates in district safety and health committees and supports compliance with workplace safety requirements.
Maintains records and reports required by regulatory agencies and auditors.
Monitors compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies related to employee services.
Develops, maintains, and analyzes employee services dashboards, metrics, and reports.
Collects, validates, analyzes, and interprets data related to employee benefits, compensation, leaves, workers' compensation, absenteeism, retirement, and workforce trends.
Prepares reports and recommendations for district leadership, Human Resources staff, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
Identifies opportunities to improve operational processes, compliance, and customer service.
Assists with audits and reviews related to employee benefits, compensation, payroll interfaces, retirement reporting, and employee services programs.
Assists in identifying, evaluating, and implementing technology solutions that improve employee services operations.
Coordinates processes related to benefits administration systems, compensation systems, leave tracking systems, retirement reporting, and employee self-service platforms.
Develops procedures and workflow improvements designed to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
Assists in managing data integrity and recordkeeping standards across employee services functions.
Supports implementation of new software systems and operational initiatives.
Assists the Director of Employee Services in monitoring departmental goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives.
Supervises and evaluates assigned professional, technical, and support staff.
Coordinates cross-functional projects involving Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Risk Management, Legal Counsel, and district leadership.
Develops training materials and provides technical assistance to administrators and staff regarding employee services programs and procedures.
Establishes productive working relationships with employee groups, benefit providers, consultants, governmental agencies, and community partners.
Assists in policy development, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
Performs other related duties as assigned.