Sr. Leave Specialist

U.S. Bank•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Leave Specialist provides advanced case management and subject matter expertise in administering leave of absence programs and associated employee pay and benefits. The role is responsible for researching and resolving complex leave-related pay issues—including discrepancies, adjustments, and overpayments—in partnership with Payroll and other internal stakeholders. It also serves as a senior escalation resource, guiding complex cases and supporting consistent application of leave policies, pay practices, and administrative procedures. The position requires in-depth knowledge of leave and disability programs, including short-term and long-term disability, FMLA, military leave, parental and adoption leave, and other paid and unpaid leaves. The specialist supports timely and accurate resolution of leave-related pay matters, operational reporting and analysis, and complex issues involving internal and external partners. The role requires working from a U.S. Bank location three or more days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Three or more years of experience in benefits administration.
Advanced knowledge of leave of absence and disability administration.
Ability to independently research and resolve complex or escalated employee cases.
Strong math, Excel, and Power BI skills.
Strong customer service skills, including experience handling sensitive or challenging employee situations and a focus on positive team member and manager experiences.
Experience interpreting leave policies, benefit plan provisions, and administrative procedures.
Ability to analyze operational data, prepare reports, and identify trends or areas requiring attention.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to coordinate effectively across payroll, benefits, human resources, and external service providers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience using Workday, including payroll processing activities.
Three or more years of experience in benefits and leave administration.
Professional leave-management certification or demonstrated progress toward an industry-recognized certification.

Responsibilities

Administer leave of absence programs and associated employee pay and benefits through advanced case management.
Identify, research, and resolve complex leave-related pay issues, including discrepancies, adjustments, and overpayments, in partnership with Payroll and internal stakeholders.
Serve as a senior escalation resource, providing guidance on complex cases.
Help ensure consistent application of leave policies, pay practices, and administrative procedures.
Support accurate and timely resolution of leave-related pay matters.
Conduct operational reporting and analysis.
Resolve complex issues involving internal and external partners.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to other team members.

Benefits

Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.
Basic term and optional term life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Pregnancy disability and parental leave.
401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan.
Paid vacation of two to five weeks, depending on salary grade and tenure.
Up to 11 paid holidays.
Adoption assistance.
Sick and Safe Leave accrual of one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
Incentive and recognition programs.
Equity stock purchase.
Pension.