At Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education.

To help advance our mission, we’re seeking a detail-oriented Leaves and Benefits Specialist to join our HR team. This role is vital to supporting employee well-being through the administration of leave programs and workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and internal policies. The Specialist partners with internal stakeholders and third-party administrators to manage cases efficiently, communicate clearly, and support smooth returns to work. Additionally, this role contributes to core benefits administration, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, and continuous process improvement.

• Administer and manage all aspects of employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, personal leave, state-mandated leave, and workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Facilitate and document the interactive process for accommodations, working closely with employees, managers, and third-party administration to support compliant and appropriate workplace solutions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees on leave or requesting accommodation, providing timely, clear, and empathetic communication and guidance.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records in applicable systems and reports, ensuring alignment with legal and organizational documentation standards.
• Advise managers and employees on the coordination of leave with paid time off, disability programs, and company policies, ensuring clarity and consistency in application.
• Support administration of core benefit programs including enrollment, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and coordination with benefit vendors.
• Respond to employee inquiries through the benefits email inbox and hotline regarding leave, benefits eligibility, accommodations, and related policies.
• Support Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, measurement period monitoring, and assistance with 1094/1095 reporting.
• Conduct audits and prepare documentation for internal reviews, external audits, and regulatory reporting; respond to government and third-party requests for employment and benefits verifications.
• Coordinate and administer Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Compensation programs, including claims tracking, documentation, and communication with relevant parties.
• Assist with benefits-related vendor invoicing, including review, coding, and reconciliation to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Create and maintain internal documentation, including standard operating procedures, process guides, and employee-facing resources to support leave and benefits programs.
• Contribute to employee education and communication efforts, including the coordination of training sessions, workshops, and benefit-related communications.
• Prepare reports and summaries for HR leadership, including ad hoc reporting related to leaves, accommodations, and benefits utilization.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental operations and ensure alignment with company policies and ethical standards.
• Prepares and distributes ad hoc reports, summaries, and case updates as requested.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in leave administration and employee benefits, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing leave and benefits, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and complex leave and accommodation cases with a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
• Proven experience working with third-party administrators and benefits vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate benefits programs and make informed, data-driven recommendations.
• Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain benefit programs and leave policies to employees and managers.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with a strong “customer service” mindset, demonstrating empathy and responsiveness in employee interactions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Creative, resourceful, and adaptable in navigating evolving regulatory requirements and operational challenges.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and handle multiple priorities effectively.

Note: This is a hybrid role requiring in-office attendance three (3) days per week. Applicants should be within a commutable distance to the Basking Ridge, NJ area.

We believe your success is our success, so our benefits package is designed specifically to support you in every aspect of your life. At BNED, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees by offering a competitive total rewards package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k, life insurance, commuter benefits, paid time off with paid holidays, and a broad range of other benefits.

The hiring range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. The actual pay may vary based on factors such as professional experience, skills, and competencies.

At Barnes & Noble Education we empower everyone. Our mission is to support students, faculty, and schools, serving as a catalyst to meet the evolving needs of the education system and a new generation of students. That starts with fostering an environment for our employees where diversity and individuality is celebrated.

Barnes & Noble Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. In the spirit of inclusivity, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, protected veteran status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

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