Benefits Specialist, Leave Administrator

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

We have a superb opportunity for a Benefits Specialist in our National Center office in Dallas, TX.

This position will work in a hybrid setting (in office 2-3 days a week) at our National Center office.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

The Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in supporting employees during some of life’s most important moments: medical leaves, parental leave, caregiver responsibilities, and other protected absences. This role is responsible for administering leave-of-absence programs with accuracy, empathy, and compliance, while coordinating closely with employees, managers, payroll, benefits, and third‑party administrators.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of leave laws and systems, exceptional attention to detail, and a service‑oriented mindset that balances compliance with a compassionate employee experience.

Leave Administration & Case Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees taking a leave of absence, providing clear guidance, timely communication, and end‑to‑end case management.
• Administer and track all leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leaves, medical, parental, military, ADA‑related leaves, and personal leaves.
• Coordinate closely with third‑party leave and disability administrators to ensure timely claim initiation, certification, approvals, and accurate leave designation.
• Confirm leave start and return‑to‑work dates and ensure all related actions are completed accurately and on time.

Systems, Payroll & Benefits Coordination

• Maintain accurate leave records in Workday and related HR systems, including leave status updates, expected return dates, and documentation tracking.
• Partner with Payroll and Benefits to ensure correct pay treatment, PTO substitution, disability integration, and benefits continuation while on leave.
• Support compliance‑related workflows, including system updates tied to security access, task delegation, and employee status changes.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all leave administration complies with federal, state, and local regulations (FMLA, ADA, state disability and paid leave laws).
• Maintain appropriate documentation and audit readiness for all leave cases.
• Provide guidance to managers and HR partners on compliant leave practices while maintaining employee confidentiality.

Employee & Manager Support

• Proactively communicate with employees and managers about leave steps, timelines, and expectations using clear, supportive language.
• Educate managers on their role in the leave process and provide tools or checklists as needed.
• Respond to inquiries with professionalism, empathy, and consistency, helping employees feel supported during their leave.

Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the leave experience, including automation, clearer communications, and better system integration.
• Partner with HR Shared Services, Benefits, HRBPs, and Technology teams to enhance leave processes and reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to employee experience, operational efficiency, and compliance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience.
• Five (5) years of hands‑on experience administering employee leaves of absence.
• Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave regulations.
• Experience working with third‑party leave and disability administrators.
• Proficiency with Excel and HRIS platforms (Workday preferred).
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow‑through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and empathy.

Compensation & Benefits

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities