Benefits, Leave & Compliance Specialist/Human Resources

University of Northwestern - St. Paul•Minnesota, MN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits, Leave & Compliance Specialist supports employee well-being and organizational success through administration of leave, disability, accommodation, benefits, and compliance programs. The specialist serves as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders, providing guidance on complex employee matters while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. The role promotes operational excellence through effective case management, collaboration with stakeholders, and continuous improvement. The position serves as the organization’s subject matter expert for leave administration, disability management, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment programs. It provides consultation on complex cases, works with vendors, healthcare providers, government agencies, and internal stakeholders, and supports effective return-to-work and accommodation processes. The specialist also supports employee benefit and retirement programs, maintains accurate records and case documentation, contributes to audits and reporting, and identifies improvements to reduce risk and enhance service delivery. The role is part of a faith-driven university community. All employees are expected to actively partner with the University in discipling students and with Northwestern Media in its gospel outreach. The position requires a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and faithful support of Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement, and Declaration of Christian Community. The workplace is a suburban Christian university or Christian-owned and operated radio station, alongside colleagues committed to Northwestern’s mission and policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is unavailable. A background check is required initially and on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
At least three years of experience administering programs governed by federal and state employment laws and regulations related to leave administration, disability accommodations, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment, or HR compliance.
Experience independently managing complex employee leave, disability, accommodation, benefits, or compliance cases while maintaining confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Experience interpreting policies and regulations and advising employees and leaders on workplace, benefits, leave, accommodation, or compliance matters.
Maintain a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in interactions, and uphold Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement, and Declaration of Christian Community.
Pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.
Be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience administering leave, disability, accommodation, workers’ compensation, unemployment, benefits, or related HR programs.
At least two years of experience supporting HR compliance activities, audits, reporting, recordkeeping, or regulatory requirements.
Experience in a complex or highly regulated environment, such as higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, government, financial services, or a multi-state employer.
Experience using HRIS, leave management, benefits administration, or case management systems to manage employee programs and reporting.
Experience developing or delivering employee communications, training, or educational resources related to benefits, leave, accommodations, or HR programs.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for leave administration, disability management, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment programs.
Administer programs consistently and in compliance with applicable laws, policies, regulations, employee needs, and operational requirements.
Interpret policies, procedures, and applicable laws to guide decisions and manage complex employee cases.
Partner with vendors, healthcare providers, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to administer programs, resolve issues, and support return-to-work and accommodation processes.
Advise employees, leaders, and Human Resources partners on leave, disability, accommodation, benefits, and related employment matters.
Collaborate across Human Resources and with business partners to address complex matters and apply policies and practices consistently.
Provide responsive, empathetic, and solution-oriented service while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Support the administration of employee benefit and retirement programs and serve as a knowledgeable resource to employees, leaders, and internal stakeholders.
Partner with benefit carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate program delivery, resolve issues, and support a high-quality employee experience.
Contribute to the implementation, communication, and ongoing administration of employee benefit programs.
Apply and interpret federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to benefits, leave, disability, accommodations, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and related HR practices.
Maintain the integrity of employee data, records, and case management processes through documentation, reporting, and audit readiness.
Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen compliance, mitigate risk, and enhance service delivery.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.
Actively partner with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their faith.