Senior Associate, Data Exchange Specialist

Role Description

The Complex Data Exchange Specialist is responsible for managing the overall process, practice, and project implementation of electronic data interfaces with New York Life clients in support of Life, Accident, Disability, Family Medical Leave products, and various service offerings, with a strong focus on National Accounts and highly complex data integrations. This role serves as both a technical and consultative resource, ensuring high-quality data exchange while educating clients on how their data powers downstream services including administration, billing, eligibility, enrollment, and reporting.

The Specialist understands how data flows through New York Life systems—from file receipt and validation to internal processing and operational impact—and proactively advises clients and TPAs on how data structure, file dependencies, and transmission timing affect service delivery and administration outcomes. They balance New York Life standards regarding layout, data integrity, and transmission protocols with client requirements to deliver compliant, scalable, and efficient solutions.

The Complex Data Exchange Specialist manages multi-file data environments where multiple client files must be validated, sequenced, reconciled, and merged in order to support accurate system ingestion. These integrations often involve complex file structures, dependent file relationships, and conditional data mapping logic, requiring advanced technical expertise in file architecture, merge capabilities, and data validation.

This role also drives inventory control of active interfaces and milestone management in partnership with internal and external stakeholders. The Specialist demonstrates strong analytical capabilities to audit incoming files across multiple data sources, identify discrepancies or systemic errors, and implement corrective actions that improve data integrity and client experience.

The Complex Data Exchange Specialist partners closely with Implementation IT, Family Medical Leave Operations, Account Management, and external Ben Tech vendors to ensure deadlines are met, key milestones are achieved, and implementation efforts stay aligned with business objectives. Because this role supports large National Accounts and marquee clients, it requires the ability to manage high-volume, complex integrations with multiple vendors, benefit programs, and file dependencies. The Specialist must proactively assess data risk, ensure data governance standards are met, and maintain operational stability across interconnected systems.

Additionally, they act as a leader among peers by proactively contributing expertise, mentoring team members, taking on complex work, driving process improvements, and independently leading projects and training initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Integrate with TPAs and Ben Tech partners in support of eligibility, enrollment, remittance, and billing data for new and inforce business.
• Serve as a consultative partner to clients and TPAs by educating them on data structure, file specifications, and the operational impact of their data across downstream administration systems.
• Implement complex electronic interfaces based on established timelines while maintaining strict inventory control of active integrations, dependent file streams, and in-flight implementations.
• Manage multi-file integration environments, ensuring files are received, validated, and sequenced appropriately for system ingestion and downstream processing.
• Review, audit, and validate test data across multiple related files and data sources to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with business rules prior to production implementation.
• Identify root causes of file discrepancies, mapping errors, transmission issues, or data inconsistencies across merged files, and recommend corrective actions.
• Understand and articulate end-to-end data flow, including how files are received, validated, transformed, merged across multiple sources, and processed within New York Life systems.
• Balance New York Life/LDEX standards regarding layout, data, and transmission protocols with client requirements, delivering compliant and scalable solutions for complex client environments.
• Prepare and maintain documentation confirming the method of data exchange between New York Life and client/TPA, including file dependencies, mapping logic, merge requirements, and audit controls.
• Partner with Production Support and IT to ensure successful receipt, mapping, merging, and processing of data.
• Articulate complex file mapping and merge logic requirements clearly to IT and technical partners.
• Drive accountability with internal teams and Ben Tech partners to meet key deliverables and milestone deadlines.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues related to electronic data exchange, multi-file integrations, and system processing impacts.
• Track file status and ensure metrics are reported accurately within Salesforce.
• Develop and maintain support documentation, SOPs, and training materials for complex integration processes and data governance practices.
• Proactively review and suggest improvements to existing procedures to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and scalability of complex integrations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex data exchange implementations and National Account integrations, providing guidance and mentorship to peers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred or minimum of 3 years relevant work experience required.
• Prior experience working with clients, producers, TPAs, or Ben Tech partners preferred.
• Strong understanding of complex data structures, file layouts, and electronic transmission methods preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, audit, and interpret complex and high-volume data files, including multi-file data environments.
• Experience managing file dependencies, merge logic, and reconciliation across multiple data sources preferred.
• Strong planning, project management, and inventory control skills.
• Proficient/advanced Microsoft Excel skills required (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros).
• Proficiency in Access preferred.
• Experience with mainframe TSO and JCL scripting preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple complex implementations simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and consultative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and meet key milestones.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across internal business partners.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proven adaptability and willingness to embrace change and continuously improve processes.

Benefits

• We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs.
• Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.

Company Description

At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact.

Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities—inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you’ll find the rare balance of long-standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress.

As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Your ideas drive what’s next, and your growth powers it.