Benefits, Leave & Compliance Specialist/Human Resources

VP Area: VP - COO Department: Human Resources Position Compensation: $62,000 - $70,000 / year Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota Who We Are Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God's Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media. Position Summary The Benefits, Leave & Compliance Specialist supports employee well-being and organizational success through the administration of leave, disability, accommodation, benefits, and compliance programs. As a trusted advisor to employees and leaders, the role provides guidance on complex employee matters while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. The position promotes operational excellence through effective case management, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous improvement. Please Note: We are unable to hire relatives of current Northwestern employees for this position. Key Responsibilities Leave, Disability & Accommodation Administration Serve as the organization's subject matter expert for leave administration, disability management, workplace accommodations, workers' compensation, and unemployment programs. Ensure the consistent, compliant, and effective administration of programs while balancing employee needs, operational requirements, and regulatory obligations. Provide expertise on complex employee situations by interpreting policies, procedures, and applicable laws to support sound decision-making, effective case management, and successful employment outcomes. Partner with vendors, healthcare providers, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to facilitate program administration, resolve complex issues, and support effective return-to-work and accommodation processes. Employee Consultation & HR Partnership Serve as a trusted resource to employees, leaders, and Human Resources partners on leave, disability, accommodation, and related employment matters. Provide guidance and consultation on complex employee matters to support understanding of available programs, responsibilities, policies, and compliance requirements. Collaborate across Human Resources and with business partners to address complex employee matters, ensure consistent application of policies and practices, and support organizational objectives. Champion a positive employee experience through responsive, empathetic, and solution-oriented service while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment. Benefits Administration & Vendor Partnership Support the effective administration of employee benefit and retirement programs by serving as a knowledgeable resource for employees, leaders, and internal stakeholders. Partner with benefit carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate program delivery, issue resolution, and high-quality employee experience. Contribute to the successful implementation, communication, and ongoing administration of employee benefit programs while promoting operational efficiency, service excellence, and continuity across Human Resources functions. Compliance, Risk Management & Operational Excellence Promote organizational compliance by applying and interpreting federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits, leave administration, disability programs, accommodations, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and related Human Resources practices. Ensure the integrity of employee data, records, and case management processes through effective documentation, reporting, and audit readiness. Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes, strengthen compliance, mitigate risk, and enhance service delivery. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, contribute to operational excellence and the effective delivery of Human Resources programs and services. Perform other duties as requested or assigned. Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith. Qualifications Required: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. Minimum of three (3) 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 ensuring regulatory compliance. Experience interpreting policies and regulations and providing guidance to employees and leaders on workplace, benefits, leave, accommodation, or compliance-related matters. Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern's mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community. Nice To Have Minimum of three (3) years of experience administering leave, disability, accommodation, workers' compensation, unemployment, benefits, or related HR programs. Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting compliance activities, audits, reporting, recordkeeping, or regulatory requirements within Human Resources. Experience working 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. Key Skills Spiritual Discernment & Mission Alignment: Applies spiritual maturity and discernment to assess organizational and mission fit in areas of oversight. Strategic, Critical & Systems Thinking: Understands organizational context, interdependencies, and the "big picture"; navigates ambiguity and evaluates complex situations to make sound decisions. Interpersonal Effectiveness & Leadership: Builds trust-based relationships, influences without authority, actively engages in difficult conversations with clarity and kindness, and manages sensitive issues with discretion. Employee Relations & HR Knowledge: Applies working knowledge of federal and state employment laws as well as organizational practices, handles conflict constructively and supports performance management on all levels. Confidentiality: Maintains strict confidentiality, exercises discretion, and consistently demonstrates integrity and sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and organizational matters. Communication Skills: Communicates complex information clearly and professionally through verbal and written communication. Provides guidance, education, coaching, and consultation to support informed decision‑making. Organization, Detail Orientation & Technical Proficiency: Manages time and priorities effectively, completes tasks with accuracy, follows workflows, and uses intermediate to advanced technology and software to complete and improve processes. Professional Reliability & Independence: Works well independently and collaboratively, demonstrates initiative, meets deadlines, and maintains high standards of professionalism. Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment. Work Environment The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies. All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Northwestern – St. Paul