Human Resources Manager

Job Title: HR Manager (Benefits & Leave Focus) Type: Contract-to-Hire Location: Remote (Must be based in California's Central Valley) Pay Range: $50-$55/hour Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM or 8:30 AM-5:30 PM Summary Seeking an experienced HR Manager (Benefits & Leave Focus) to oversee employee benefits, leave administration, workers' compensation, accommodations, and compliance programs for a large nonprofit organization. This role will serve as a subject matter expert in benefits and leave administration while supporting process improvements, compliance initiatives, HR systems optimization, and organizational risk mitigation. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with California leave laws, benefits administration, workers' compensation, ADA accommodations, and HR compliance. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration Oversee medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and related benefit programs. Manage self-insured and group health plans, including vendor relationships, renewals, funding, and claims administration. Lead annual open enrollment planning, communications, and implementation. Ensure compliance with ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and other regulatory requirements. Analyze plan utilization and recommend enhancements, efficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities. Leave Administration & Accommodations Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on leave administration and California leave laws. Oversee complex leave cases, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, disability leave, workers' compensation, and related leave types. Lead ADA and FEHA interactive processes and accommodation requests. Support return-to-work programs and benefit transitions. Ensure accurate case management, documentation, and compliance across leave and accommodation programs. Identify risks, recommend solutions, and escalate complex issues as appropriate. Compliance, Audits & Process Improvement Monitor changes in employment laws and regulations. Support audits, reporting, compliance documentation, and system reviews. Analyze trends and provide recommendations to leadership. Evaluate current processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Support change management initiatives and HR system implementation efforts. Maintain accurate reporting and documentation through HRIS systems. Leadership & Collaboration Partner closely with Benefits, Leave, and Workers' Compensation specialists. Serve as the primary liaison with brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. Educate managers and employees on benefits and leave-related matters. Provide guidance and support across approximately 45 locations. Collaborate with leadership to strengthen employee experience, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum 3+ years of benefits and leave administration experience. Strong knowledge of: FMLA CFRA ADA/ADAAA FEHA PWFA ACA ERISA COBRA Workers' Compensation California Leave Laws Experience managing complex leave cases and accommodations. Strong analytical, organizational, compliance, and communication skills. Advanced proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Preferred HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP). Experience managing self-insured health plans. Experience supporting organizations with 500+ employees. Experience with UKG or similar HRIS platforms. Healthcare, nonprofit, human services, insurance, or large agency experience. Advanced Excel skills. Ideal Candidate Deep expertise in Benefits, Leave of Absence, Workers' Compensation, and Accommodations. Strong understanding of California employment laws and compliance requirements. Experience handling high-volume employee populations and complex leave situations. Comfortable reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements. Thrives in environments undergoing change and system implementations. Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Why Join? Remote opportunity for candidates based in California's Central Valley. Contract-to-hire opportunity with long-term potential. Meaningful work supporting a mission-driven organization. Opportunity to drive process improvements and influence HR operations. Collaborative and supportive HR leadership team. High-impact role with visibility across a large multi-site organization. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: • The California Fair Chance Act • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits, and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria.