Benefits Consultant, LOA/Disability - Remote US

Cisco•Dallas, TX

10d•$109,100 - $138,400•Remote

About The Position

The Benefits Consultant, LOA/Disability serves as a subject matter expert for leave, disability, and accommodations programs, supporting operational excellence, compliance, and a high-quality employee experience. The role partners in team strategies and supports benefits for a diverse workforce in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position manages leave-program administration and compliance, supports employees and coordinates with external vendors, resolves complex benefit issues, and collaborates with senior management and cross-functional teams. It also supports change management and benefits communications, analyzes program data and applies AI tools to improve operations, and oversees budgets, invoices, reporting, internal controls, and disability-program audits. The role may also assume responsibility for related benefit programs such as life, disability, or survivor support. The role is remote and open to candidates across the United States except the NYC metro and San Jose Bay metro areas. Cisco’s stated U.S./Canada starting salary range is $109,100 to $138,400, with pay determined in part by hiring location and qualifications. Cisco describes benefits that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with company matching; paid parental leave; disability coverage; basic life insurance; paid time off; and potential restricted stock unit grants, subject to eligibility and company policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
At least 5 years of experience in benefits administration, with a focus on leave, disability, and accommodations.
In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and regional and state-specific leave laws.
Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with third-party vendors and external partners.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables, and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
Ability to quickly learn and efficiently use online vendor portals and benefits administration systems.
Proficiency in HRIS systems such as Workday and in case management tools.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP.
Experience managing benefits programs in a large, multinational technology organization.
Demonstrated success leading process-improvement initiatives for complex HR programs.
Experience with disability plans and coordination with workers’ compensation programs.
Demonstrated application of AI technologies to optimize HR workflows and improve operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end administration of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, disability, and workers’ compensation, while maintaining compliance with applicable regional, local, and federal laws.
Monitor and partner in employee support, providing concierge support and coordinating with external vendors on issues, escalations, and care needs.
Resolve complex benefit issues and provide clear guidance on benefit plan interpretation.
Collaborate with senior management, IT, payroll, and change management teams to resolve process gaps and improve service delivery.
Support leave-related workflows, including offboarding and reasonable accommodations.
Conduct change management for significant benefits changes and support benefits communications, including drafting program communications and updating intranet pages, benefits guides, support platforms, and annual state communications.
Analyze leave, disability, and accommodation data to identify trends and improve program effectiveness.
Use AI tools to enhance productivity, increase content engagement, and streamline process improvements.
Maintain program budgets, review and approve vendor invoices, and investigate and resolve payment discrepancies.
Oversee business reporting and internal controls to support data integrity and financial accuracy for leave and sick leave programs.
Manage auditing requirements for disability program processes.
Assume responsibility for other related benefit programs as needed, such as life, disability, or survivor support.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan eligibility rules.
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to eligibility and continued-employment requirements.
10 paid holidays per full calendar year and one floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
One paid day off for an employee’s birthday, a paid year-end holiday shutdown, and four paid personal-wellness days.
For non-exempt employees, 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year, accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees.
For exempt employees, a flexible vacation time-off program with no defined usage limit, subject to availability and business limitations.
80 hours of sick time provided on hire and each January 1, with up to 80 unused hours carried forward.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year.
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.