POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Benefits is responsible for overseeing all employee benefit programs across Urban Dove’s network, including health, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, protected leave (FMLA, PFML), wellness services, and accommodations. This role leads annual benefit enrollment cycles, manages vendor relationships, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and serves as a subject-matter expert for staff across campuses. The Manager of Benefits also partners with Urban Dove Leadership to support policy development, employee education, and the design of competitive, cost-effective benefits programs that meet the needs of the organization and its employees.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Urban Dove Team Charter School (UD Team) is a completely unique and innovative network of alternative sports-based high schools for over-aged, under-credited youth. Our schools combine a rigorous academic curriculum with a hands-on, real-world vocational program, and an award-winning college and career readiness program that strives to give each graduate a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to enter the world of work.

OUR MISSION

Urban Dove energizes, educates, and empowers young people through our network of UD Team Charter Schools serving over-age/under-credited high school students. UD Team's innovative model uses sports, teams, restorative practices and mentoring to create a culture of high expectations and shared responsibility. By instilling our core values of Teamwork, Leadership and Communication, we develop our students into confident young adults ready to reach their full potential.

OUR VISION

Urban Dove envisions a world where all children receive the high-quality education and support they need and deserve. Through education, they will acquire the critical skills needed to develop into economically, socially, and emotionally independent adults who are empowered to create a more just and equitable society for future generations.

Benefits Administration & Oversight

• Serve as lead liaison with all benefit providers (health, vision, dental, life insurance, wellness services).
• Coordinate and oversee annual open enrollment, new hire enrollments, and qualifying life event updates.
• Educate employees about benefit options and eligibility through orientation sessions, email campaigns, and 1:1 support.
• Review invoices and reconcile benefit premiums with payroll and vendor systems to ensure billing accuracy.
• Market benefit plans annually by soliciting quotes and proposals from multiple carriers; analyze plan design, pricing, and value to ensure competitive offerings.
• Partner with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to evaluate options and support leadership in selecting cost-effective, high-quality benefit programs.
• Manage the organization’s retirement program (e.g., 401(k)), including plan design review, vendor oversight, compliance requirements, and employee education.
• Maintain strong relationships with benefits and retirement vendors to ensure service quality, timely issue resolution, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with vendors to provide accurate communications, resources, and support during open enrollment and throughout the plan year.
• Monitor vendor performance and escalate concerns as needed to protect both the organization and employee experience.
• Serve as the point person for the NYS Department of Labor unemployment insurance; timely respond to and submit UI charge notices and wage verifications, maintain documentation, and file protests or appeals of benefit claims when appropriate.

Leave & Accommodations Management

• Administer and track protected leaves (FMLA, PFML, parental leave, ADA accommodations, Workers' Comp).
• Coordinate documentation and communication between staff, medical providers, legal counsel, and School Leadership
• Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and timeliness in all leave-related case management.
• Develop and implement return-to-work plans for eligible employees in partnership with School Leadership

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain knowledge of all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to benefits and leave (FMLA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, NYS & NYC-specific laws).
• Ensure Urban Dove is meeting all required filings, notices, and documentation guidelines.
• Audit benefits data regularly and implement quality control processes to reduce errors or compliance risk.

Team & Collaboration

• Supervise Senior Associate - Benefits & Leave and coordinate task-sharing with SHRAs as needed
• Partner with the Senior Director of HR to align benefits administration with overall people strategy.
• Support crisis response or emergencies related to staff health or extended absence.
• Lead periodic training for HR team and School Leadership on benefits, leave, and ADA compliance.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree required; specialization in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field preferred.
• HR or Benefits-specific certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, CEBS, or CBP) preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years in HR, with at least 2 years in a benefits administration or leave management role.
• Experience in K-12 education, nonprofit, or multi-site organization preferred.
• Prior experience working directly with benefits vendors and regulatory bodies strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of benefits and leave-related legislation and compliance frameworks. - Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and recordkeeping practices.
• Clear, compassionate communicator able to explain complex policies to diverse stakeholders.
• Committed to confidentiality, ethics, and employee-centered service delivery.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Hybrid work model; onsite presence required during onboarding periods and open enrollment
• Some travel to campuses for orientation, support, or training events

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary aligned with NYC nonprofit education benchmarks
• Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with match, commuter benefits, EAP
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays