Employee Leaves Team Manager / Human Resources Manager

Working/Functional Title

Employee Leaves Team Manager

Position Summary

About the Role

As the Employee Leaves Team Manager, you'll lead a specialized team responsible for administering complex leave programs that impact all university employees. This role combines technical expertise, leadership, and strategic problem-solving to ensure compliance while supporting employee wellbeing.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)

• Oversee the administration of Workers' Compensation, Long-Term Disability, FMLA, and other leave programs, serving as the primary liaison between HR, department heads, legal counsel, and regulatory bodies (25%)
• Collaborate with legal counsel on Workers' Compensation cases, participating in case strategy and representing the university at the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency (20%)
• Lead and supervise the Leaves Team, establishing goals and objectives while managing staff performance (15%)
• Guide employees and departments through FMLA processes, paid parental leave, and earned sick time, including complex cases requiring Department of Labor consultation (15%)
• Manage university, state, and federal compliance reporting, including Medicare, OSHA, and Bureau of Labor Statistics requirements (10%)
• Serve as technical advisor for EBS transactions and oversee leave management software systems, including testing, maintenance, and database management (10%)
• Assist with out-of-state employment compliance requirements including tax deductions and insurance regulations; performs other duties as assigned to carry out the mission of the university and division (5%)

Competencies for Success

Human Resources Capacity

• Maintain knowledge of leave regulations including FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and disability management
• Manage HR data and communicate policies clearly to all organizational levels

Ethical Conduct

• Demonstrate integrity in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive employee information
• Make fair, consistent decisions while balancing organizational needs and employee welfare

Strategic Thinking

• Analyze leave usage trends and develop strategies to address organizational impacts
• Develop short and long-term strategies for program improvement and risk management

Leadership

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team
• Manage escalated cases and resolve complex situations across departments

Job/Organizational Knowledge

• Understand university systems, structures, and how leave programs integrate with other HR functions
• Maintain proficiency with relevant software systems and understand various departmental needs

Financial Management

• Manage budgets for self-insured programs and implement cost-containment strategies
• Forecast financial impacts and evaluate vendor contracts for fiscal responsibility

Continuous Learning/Development

• Commitment to staying current with evolving leave regulations and industry best practices
• Adapt to new technologies and implement process improvements

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan and is a unionized staff position. There is the capability of working a hybrid schedule and the position requires at least two days of work onsite per week, with some weeks requiring additional days to meet the needs of the department. All work schedules and schedule changes must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment, primarily Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though extended hours and weekend work may be required. Limited travel may be required as needed. 

Join Our Team

Human Resources values the various skills and experiences that everyone brings to the organization.  Become a part of our team and enjoy the opportunity to make a significant impact on our university's leave management practices.

Apply today and help us build a stronger, more supportive workplace for our university community.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Human Resources Administration, Labor and Industrial Relations, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources administration; experience with employee leave administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and FMLA Law; knowledge of DXC’s Riskmaster software; CWCP Workers’ Compensation Professional; Certified Family Medical Leave Specialist.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends April 1, 2025 at 11:55 PM