Employee Leave and Disability Supervisor
Western Governors University
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**Current WGU employees must submit their internal application before 12/25/2024 to be considered for the position. **
The Employee Leave and Disability Supervisor is a dynamic and challenging role that meaningfully impacts Western Governors University’s (WGU) total rewards programs.
This position provides operational, technical, and strategic expertise in support of the Senior Manager of Employee Benefits. It manages and develops a team of Benefits Analysts that carries out the day-to-day administration and employee-facing interactions. In addition to supervising this team, the Employee Leave and Disability Supervisor works alongside other Benefits leaders to provide stewardship of processes, analysis, data reconciliations and auditing, reporting, communications, and project management critical to the operation of the WGU’s employee Leave and Disability benefit plans, programs, and policies.
This role works closely with all areas of WGU People & Talent, Payroll, Finance, and more than 20 external administrative and consulting partners – all to ensure the smooth delivery of employee Leave and Disability benefits as a key component of total rewards at WGU.
The Supervisor is key contributor to ongoing benchmarking and strategy development in support of our total rewards philosophy, including participation in cross-functional initiatives and coordination with external advisers. Accordingly, this position requires prior experience in operational, analytical, financial and strategic aspects of employee benefits and Leave and Disability within a large organization. This role operates in a high-pace, high-growth environment and demands positive passion and enthusiasm.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Leads a team of Benefits Analysts to ensure effective execution of employee Leave and Disability operations and related employee interactions.
Serves as subject matter expert for leave programs, under the general direction and guidance of Benefits leadership, and takes a lead role in interpreting and implementing new leave laws, policies and processes.
Oversees administrative aspects of leave and disability, including ensuring appropriate and timely communications, notifications and documentation to ensure that leave tracking, pay and compliance is accurate and correct.
Oversees the reasonable accommodation process under the ADA, PWFA and similar regulations while harboring cross-organizational collaboration during the interactive process.
Directly assists in the development of policies, procedures and guidelines; recommends changes to Benefits leadership; participates in the implementation or communication of approved policies and procedures.
Compile, analyze, and interpret relevant, complex leave-related metrics to present to Benefits and Senior leadership on utilization of leave programs.
Effectively models WGU leadership principles and cultural beliefs across all aspects of the role.
Coach, develop and provide actionable feedback to drive optimal performance and ongoing development of team members.
Maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and calm in addressing sensitive situations.
Provide analytical, technical, process, and project support to the Employee Benefits function within the WGU Total Rewards team.
Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple and simultaneous operational and strategic activities within employee benefits.
Write, read, and interpret technical HR materials, contracts, plans, policies, and related documents.
Collaborate closely across WGU stakeholders to support the design, administration, and communication of Leave and Disability programs.
Provide hands-on project support or ownership for annual insurance renewals, year-end vendor file updates, routine compliance filings, and other special activity and projects as necessary.
Anticipate unintended consequences and broader impacts of recommendations and proposed process changes.
Perform root cause analysis associated with issues or problems from across the organization. Identify and recommend process or system improvements regarding the same.
Execute assigned operational and strategic activities with consultants and advisors.
Stay abreast of current and emerging market trends to identify potential opportunities and gaps.
Develop advanced presentation/facilitation skills for presenting ideas and influencing stakeholders, including those at the senior level of the organization.
Consistently apply strong analytical orientations, attention to detail, and business acumen.
Effectuate and promote continuous improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated prior experience and knowledge across strategic, design and operational aspects of employee Leave and Disability offerings, including vendor management, insurance renewals, benchmarking, project management, government filings, auditing, and communications.
Very strong work ethic, collaborative orientation, and eagerness to take on new assignments, with the ability to excel in a very fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills in dealing proactively with all levels of internal and external individuals including, employees, senior leadership, fellow team members and external administrators and advisers.
A keen interest in contributing to the success of teams and growth of individuals, including actively contributes to a feeling of belonging among individuals.
The ability to make professional presentations and to communicate technical matters effectively and persuasively in writing, through emails and reports, or verbally.
Play an active role in employee Leave and Disability education and communication. Comfortable presenting information to employees at all levels of the organization.
Data-driven orientation with ability to diagnose root causes, identify primary drivers of outcomes, and recommend positive changes.
Lead regular data reconciliations, audits, and configuration reviews of internal and external administrative systems.
Review utilization data on an ongoing basis; analyze and interpret data for trends, improvements, and efficiencies.
Assist with peer and industry benchmark analyses, survey responses, and preparation of program design comparisons to other companies.
Maintain advanced knowledge of Leave and Disability trends, laws, and regulations.
Oversee information requests associated with routine audits and government reporting, and governance committee meetings.
Demonstrated strong proficiency with MS Office products.
Solid understanding of HRIS and related processes associated with employee benefits, and the cross[1]functional impacts with other enterprise systems.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience (1 year experience = 1 year education), high school diploma/GED required
5+ years experience in Leave and Disability administration and strategy.
2+ years leading and managing a team of direct reports.
Breadth and depth of expertise, gained through demonstrated prior experiences yielding advanced knowledge, experience and skills in Leave and Disability.
Solid knowledge of the technical aspects of employee Leave and Disability administration and the regulatory environment in which such plans operate.
Superb verbal and written communications skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Products – Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in large, complex organizations with 1000+ benefits-eligible employees.
Strong knowledge and prior experience with HRIS/payroll systems.
Workday experience.
CEBS or HR-related certifications a plus.
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The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
How to apply: apply online
Full-time Regular Positions (FT classification, standard working hours = 40)
This is a full-time, regular position that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
The University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.