Senior Leave Management Specialist - Minneapolis, MN

Who We Are: Fredrikson & Byron is the premier Midwest-based law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally, and globally. Overview: Fredrikson & Byron is seeking a Senior Leave Management Specialist to join our Human Resources Operations & Total Rewards team in Minneapolis. This role serves as a key resource across the Firm, responsible for administering leave of absence programs and workplace accommodations in a manner that is compliant, consistent, and highly service-oriented. This position partners closely with employees, managers, attorneys, HR, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to ensure smooth, accurate, and thoughtful administration of leave programs. In addition, the role supports broader benefits operations through analytics, reporting, vendor coordination, and process improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Include: * Administer the Firm's leave of absence programs, including FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave (MNPFML), Minnesota Pregnancy and Parental Leave, ESST, disability leave, workers' compensation coordination, and other applicable federal, state, and local leave laws * Manage the full leave lifecycle, including intake, eligibility review, documentation, tracking, communication, return-to-work coordination, and case closure * Serve as a primary point of contact for employees, managers, and attorneys on leave and accommodation matters, providing guidance through complex situations * Partner with the Firm's third-party leave administrator to coordinate claims, track approvals, resolve discrepancies, and manage reimbursements * Collaborate with Payroll, Legal, HR, and external vendors to ensure compliance, reporting accuracy, and timely resolution of issues * Track required notices, certifications, deadlines, and return-to-work requirements, including intermittent and reduced schedule leaves * Maintain accurate data and records within Workday and related systems * Identify trends, reporting needs, compliance risks, and opportunities for process improvement; implement best practices to enhance efficiency and employee experience * Support benefits operations, including vendor billing, invoice reconciliation, reporting, analytics, and vendor coordination * Assist with eligibility audits, data validation, and annual enrollment activities * Provide back-up support to benefits and wellbeing initiatives and contribute to broader team projects Our Ideal Candidate Will Have: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience * 5+ years of experience in leave management, ideally within a complex, multi-state environment * Experience administering workplace accommodations, including disability, pregnancy, and religious accommodations * Experience partnering with Payroll, Legal, and third-party vendors to support compliance and reporting accuracy * Familiarity with leave management systems and case tracking tools * Experience with benefits billing, invoice reconciliation, analytics, and reporting * Experience with Workday HCM and payroll preferred * Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion * Availability to work in a hybrid environment, including at least 2 days per week in-office Desired Qualifications: * Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws, including FMLA, MNPFML, ESST, and disability-related requirements * Knowledge of workplace accommodation laws and processes * Strong analytical and reporting skills, including advanced Excel proficiency * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills * Strong attention to detail, organization, and sound judgment * High-touch service orientation with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy * Strong collaboration and vendor management skills * Ability to balance day-to-day administration with continuous improvement efforts Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits options include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short- and long-term disability, employee resource benefits (inclusive of counseling, coaching, and caregiving guidance), paid parental leave, parenting classes, pre-tax parking and transportation options, and much more! Our retirement plan includes financial planning, Social Security/Medicare planning, 401k/Roth investment options, and a firm-paid profit-sharing contribution. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions. The estimated starting salary range starts at $82,000 - $90,000 per year. The compensation offered will be dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, education, professional background, and overall qualifications. Applying For This Position: Interested candidates should send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Applications will only be accepted online at Applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter and resume. For assistance with the application process or for accommodations, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. About Fredrikson: With a reputation as the firm "where law and business meet," our attorneys and staff bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to operate as business advisors, strategic partners, and legal counselors to our clients. To best serve our clients, we provide innovative solutions to legal needs while reflecting inclusion and diversity as core values. We offer highly competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative work environment. Fredrikson is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Fredrikson does not discriminate in its recruiting, hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, and any other characteristics protected by applicable local, state, and/or federal laws. We are not accepting search firm submissions for this position; please apply directly through our careers page.