VanderHouwen
Benefits Manager
Our client is seeking a skilled and flexible HR professional to join our team as an Interim Benefits & Leave Specialist. This position acts as a primary resource for their 887 employees across three campuses: While this is initially a 6‑month contract, the right candidate may be converted to a permanent role as the organizational structure evolves.
Base pay range $35.00/hr - $42.00/hr
Hours 25–30 hours per week.
Hybrid Model This role offers significant flexibility to work remotely or out of the Salem or Portland campuses.
About the company This organization is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to civic leadership, they are rooted in a legacy that emphasizes service to others and the belief that we are not born for ourselves alone. They are dedicated to turning knowledge into action, empowering a community of nearly 900 employees and thousands of students across three distinct campuses in the Pacific Northwest. Their educational ecosystem creates a seamless, personalized experience that prepares future leaders to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities. They are deeply rooted in a century‑spanning tradition of innovation, having established the region's first professional schools in law and medicine. Today, they remain committed to delivering a forward‑thinking, expanding educational experience for the next 100 years, pivoting to meet the evolving needs of modern learners through strategic growth and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for employee medical leaves of absence and accommodations.
Manage the full lifecycle of FMLA, OFLA, and ADA cases, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Administer disability claims and coordinate return‑to‑work plans with employees and managers.
Provide general benefits support and guidance to faculty and staff across all campuses.
Conduct virtual or onsite meetings with employees to discuss sensitive benefit and leave matters (dedicated office space is available when onsite).
Collaborate with the broader HR team to ensure seamless service delivery during the university merger process.
Qualifications
Demonstrated strong background in managing medical leaves of absence (FMLA/OFLA) and employee accommodations (ADA).
Experience in benefits administration or Human Resources within a complex organization.
Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.
Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with empathy.
Prior experience in Higher Education is a plus, but not required.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Human Resources
Industries Higher Education, Education Administration Programs, and Education
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Base pay range $35.00/hr - $42.00/hr
Hours 25–30 hours per week.
Hybrid Model This role offers significant flexibility to work remotely or out of the Salem or Portland campuses.
About the company This organization is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to civic leadership, they are rooted in a legacy that emphasizes service to others and the belief that we are not born for ourselves alone. They are dedicated to turning knowledge into action, empowering a community of nearly 900 employees and thousands of students across three distinct campuses in the Pacific Northwest. Their educational ecosystem creates a seamless, personalized experience that prepares future leaders to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities. They are deeply rooted in a century‑spanning tradition of innovation, having established the region's first professional schools in law and medicine. Today, they remain committed to delivering a forward‑thinking, expanding educational experience for the next 100 years, pivoting to meet the evolving needs of modern learners through strategic growth and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for employee medical leaves of absence and accommodations.
Manage the full lifecycle of FMLA, OFLA, and ADA cases, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Administer disability claims and coordinate return‑to‑work plans with employees and managers.
Provide general benefits support and guidance to faculty and staff across all campuses.
Conduct virtual or onsite meetings with employees to discuss sensitive benefit and leave matters (dedicated office space is available when onsite).
Collaborate with the broader HR team to ensure seamless service delivery during the university merger process.
Qualifications
Demonstrated strong background in managing medical leaves of absence (FMLA/OFLA) and employee accommodations (ADA).
Experience in benefits administration or Human Resources within a complex organization.
Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.
Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with empathy.
Prior experience in Higher Education is a plus, but not required.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Human Resources
Industries Higher Education, Education Administration Programs, and Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr