Leave Manager

University of New England, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Position Type Professional Staff
Faculty Track
Position Title Leave Manager
Employment Status Full Time
Months 12
Campus Both ME Campuses
Description
The Leave Manager oversees the administration of all employee leave programs, including FMLA, Maine Paid Leave, ADA accommodations, medical and parental leave, and Workers’ Compensation to ensure consistent, compliant, and timely processing. The position serves as the primary contact for employees and supervisors throughout the leave process, determining eligibility, managing required documentation, tracking leave usage, and coordinating return‑to‑work plans. The Leave Manager works closely with HR Business Partners, supervisors, Payroll, and Benefits to ensure accurate pay, benefit continuation, and status updates while maintaining strict confidentiality of medical information. The role also maintains HRIS leave records, prepares reports, supports policy and SOP updates, provides training on leave processes, and recommends improvements to enhance compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.
This position may be based in Biddeford, ME or Portland, ME, depending on the candidate’s preference, with occasional travel between both Maine campuses. The role offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, with the possibility of working up to two days per week remotely after the familiarization period. Candidates must be able to attend regularly scheduled meetings on campus as needed.
About the Human Resources Team
The Human Resources team at the University of New England is committed to working strategically to support UNE’s core values by anticipating and responding to the institution’s evolving needs. We deliver high-quality Human Resources services that attract, develop, motivate, and retain a diverse workforce within an innovative and collaborative work environment. Our team is comprised of dedicated HR professionals who partner closely with leaders and employees across the University. We achieve results through interprofessional collaboration, exceptional customer service, and respect.
 
About The University of New England
UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.
Benefits Overview
  • Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
  • Up to 8% retirement plan match.
  • Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
  • Educational benefits:
    • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners


For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview
Responsibilities
Leave Administration & Compliance
  • Serve as the primary HR contact for employees requesting FMLA, Maine Paid Leave, ADA, medical, military, parental, and other University leave types.
  • Determine leave eligibility, process required documentation, track leave usage (including intermittent/reduced schedules), and issue required notices.
  • Manage the return‑to‑work process, including coordination with supervisors and HRBPs.
  • Maintain confidentiality of medical and accommodation documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with FMLA, Maine leave laws, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, and other applicable federal and state regulations


Work‑Related Injuries & Workers’ Compensation
  • Process accident reports and Workers’ Compensation claims and submit required documentation to the carrier.
  • Maintain communication with injured employees and coordinate benefits and return‑to‑work steps.
  • Communicate with the insurance carrier and healthcare providers to support timely claim processing.
  • Support reporting and documentation of work‑related illnesses and injuries.

Employee Guidance & Communication
  • Explain employee rights, responsibilities, and impacts on pay, benefits, and job protection.
  • Provide timely assistance to employees experiencing unplanned or urgent leave needs.
  • Maintain professional and confidential communication.

Coordination with Payroll, Benefits & Other Units
  • Coordinate with Payroll to ensure accurate pay, deductions, and status changes for employees on leave.
  • Work with the Associate Director of Benefits and Leave and the Benefits Assistant to ensure accurate administration of medical, dental, disability, and other benefits during leave.
  • Communicate status updates, return dates, and reinstatement requirements to appropriate units.

Recordkeeping & Systems Management
  • Enter and maintain accurate, timely leave data in HRIS systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleAdmin).
  • Maintain compliant, complete documentation for audits.
  • Track leave metrics and prepare reports for HR leadership.

Policy Support, SOPs & Training
  • Assist in updating leave‑related SOPs, job aids, and internal resources.
  • Provide training to managers and HR colleagues on leave processes and regulatory requirements.
  • Recommend process improvements to enhance consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field and 3–5 years of HR experience with direct responsibility for leave administration, employee accommodations, or employee relations or equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
  • Working knowledge of FMLA, Maine Paid Leave, ADA/interactive process, Workers’ Compensation procedures, and related federal/state regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage confidential medical information and maintain compliant records.
  • Proven experience interpreting medical certifications, determining leave eligibility, and tracking intermittent/reduced‑schedule leave.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain leave laws, timelines, and employee obligations clearly to both employees and supervisors.
  • Customer‑service orientation with documented success resolving time‑sensitive or complex employee situations.
  • Proficiency with HRIS systems and ability to accurately enter, track, and report leave data (e.g., Banner, PeopleAdmin, or comparable systems).


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience processing Workers’ Compensation claims, OSHA‑related documentation, or return‑to‑work coordination.
  • Experience supporting HR in higher education or similarly complex multi‑unit organizations.
  • Experience creating or updating SOPs, job aids, or training materials.

Key Competencies 
  • Accuracy & Compliance Discipline: Consistently completes required forms, notices, certifications, and tracking steps within legally required timelines.
  • Case Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent leave cases with timely follow‑up and documented communication.
  • Confidentiality: Maintains secure, compliant handling of medical and accommodation documentation.
  • Empathy & Professionalism: Provides clear, supportive guidance during sensitive and high‑stress situations.
  • Collaboration & Coordination: Works effectively with HRBPs, supervisors, Payroll, Benefits, and external providers to ensure seamless leave processing.
  • Decision‑Making: Applies regulations consistently; escalates complex or high‑risk cases appropriately.
EEO Statement Summary
Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.
COVID Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)
Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.
Additional Note
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number 2022PS0834P
Open Date 02/26/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes

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