Manager, Benefits

The Manager, Benefits is the cornerstone of firm benefit administration, responsible for the seamless execution of leave programs and effective oversight of firm benefit programs. This is a hands-on role that requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of leave and benefits administration, exceptional communication skills, and a proven ability to lead and inspire a team. A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.

A career at Nixon Peabody is the opportunity to do work that matters. It’s the chance to use your knowledge to shape what’s ahead. To share, to innovate, to learn at a firm that taps the power of collective thinking.

We’ve created a dynamic, energizing environment that promotes success for our clients and each other. We offer fast growth, connectedness and training in business as well as law. And our rigorous standards assure you are part of a diverse team of top talent at every turn.

If you’re someone who’s looking toward the future, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Rochester, NY

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to the Director, Benefits Planning.

This position directly supervises a Benefits Specialist and a Benefits Analyst.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Manage and elevate effectiveness of leave administration and other benefits processes.
• Manage and mentor the Benefits Specialist and Benefits Analyst, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Develop and maintain deep understanding of all firm benefits and related firm policies.
• Administer and oversee the leave of absence process (FMLA, ADA, paid/unpaid leave, short- and long-term disability) to ensure compliance with federal, state, local regulations and firm policies and efficiency.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employees requesting or inquiring about leave, providing clear information and timely support.
• Provide excellent customer service to partners, employee attorneys, and professional staff regarding leaves of absence education, eligibility, and other general leave questions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential leave records and documentation; coordinate with payroll and other HR team members to ensure leave is correctly reflected in payroll and benefits systems.
• Collaborate with HR team members, managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition for employees returning from leave.
• Manage and oversee the accurate and timely handling of new hire benefit orientations and enrollments, open enrollment processes, and qualifying events.
• Collaborate with other Benefits and HR team members on complex and sensitive issues.
• Clearly communicate benefit details to partners and employees through various channels.
• Analyze and report on benefits utilization and trends, providing insights to inform strategic decisions and optimize benefit offerings.
• Partner with Director, Benefits Planning, HR leadership, and external vendors to continuously improve employee understanding and engagement with benefit programs.
• Stay current with industry trends, laws, and best practices in leave and benefits administration, leveraging this knowledge to maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with requirements under federal and state regulations and firm policies (such as COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, Health and Welfare Plans, and Voluntary Benefit plans).
• Support the Director, Benefits Planning with special projects as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.

Job Requirements:

• 7-10 years of progressive benefits administration experience required, with a focus on benefits communications and leave of absence management, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Work Experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations related to leave and benefits administration.
• Strong analytical skills; ability to identify, research, and resolve issues by making sound decisions in accordance with team goals, firm policies and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage audience and explain complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to interact with personnel at all levels of the firm and respond to their questions and concerns in a professional, effective, and positive manner.
• Excellent interpersonal, active listening and customer service skills and attention to detail, with the ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong supervisory and team-building skills.
• Ability to identify, develop and lead process improvement.
• Ability to influence change through building strong relationships throughout the firm.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing changing priorities with constant interruptions.

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Female / Gender Identity / Minority / Sexual Orientation / Veteran.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows:

Rochester, NY: $88,194 to $130,997

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range is Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $88,194 - $130,997