Manager, Leave Administration, Retirement, and Wellness Programs - Remote

Join the People Helping People Velera is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated fintech solutions provider. The company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help our clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Our purpose: We accelerate partners’ success through innovative financial technology solutions and inspired service. The Opportunity: The Manager, Leave Administration, Retirement, and Wellness Programs oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the company’s leave administration functions and employee wellness programs. This role reports to the Vice President of Benefits, Leaves, and Wellness and is responsible for developing and managing a team of 2-3 reports while ensuring effective administration of leave programs, retirement and financial plans and programs, paid time off plans, wellness initiatives, and related employee support programs. Day in the Life: Oversee and lead the end-to-end administration of all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-paid leaves, disabilities, military, worker’s compensation coordination, and company leaves ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Manage high-volume leave operations, ensuring SLAs and turnaround time are consistently met and escalated leave inquiries are handled fairly and quickly. Serve as the primary escalation point for complex, high-risk, or sensitive leave and accommodation cases. Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing leadership, creative direction, and project management for the design, implementation, and administration of an integrated wellness strategy that enhances employee well‑being and drives meaningful engagement. Provide oversight of the 401(k) retirement plan by ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating and preparing for retirement plan committee meetings, audits, and managing day‑to‑day administrative activities in collaboration with plan advisors and service providers. Ensure compliance with all the applicable federal and state regulations including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and related reporting and documentation requirement. Oversee third-party administrators and vendors supporting leave, disability, retirement, wellness, and employee assistance programs. Lead other financial benefit programs such as Workplace Giving/Match program, tuition reimbursement, financial education and advisor programs, etc. Partner cross-functionally with HR Business partner, Employee Relations, Payroll and HR Technology teams to resolve any issues or discrepancies related to leave administration or programs supported by the team. Lead the communication strategy for leave, financial well‑being, and wellness programs by partnering with HR Communications to ensure clear, timely, and engaging employee education across all channels. Support project management for annual processes and vendor implementations, including facilitating provider renewals and RFPs in partnership with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and external consultants. Measure plan and program performance and provide reporting, metrics and strategic insights to leadership. Manage and lead the leave administration and wellness staff on daily administration of tasks. Manage the leave administration and wellness staff to maintain high level of morale, productivity and provide developmental opportunities. Manage, mentor, and coach the leave administration and wellness staff to improve overall leave management and benefit administration competency. Other benefits or total rewards projects as needed. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred. CBP, CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR preferred. 8+ years of experience in Benefits, including managing leave of absence programs, with 3+ years in a team lead, supervisor, or manager role overseeing leaves, retirement plans, and benefits operations. Experience working within HR Systems; experience with Workday HRIS system preferred. Demonstrate behaviors based on Velera’s values: Dedication, Collaboration, Belonging, Curiosity, and Integrity Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, including COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, PPACA, Section 125 and other applicable laws Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws, including FMLA, ADAAA, and other applicable regulations Strong leadership skills with ability to handle sensitive issues in a confidential and professional manner Effective interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization and build and maintain relationships with vendors and consultants Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven recommendations Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats and give presentations using various audiovisual support aids Ability to balance multiple projects, work in fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines Ability to exercise initiative, display detail orientation, and focus on complex and repetitive tasks Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in making decisions About Velera At Velera we are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and connected. We understand, attract and engage a diverse workforce where every employee can live up to their full potential; ensuring that our employee base reflects the consumers we serve. The result of this effort is an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We strive to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for people to bring their authentic selves in order to build a better community within our company and with our partners. Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion HERE! Pay Equity $105,600.00 - $134,600.00 Actual Pay will be adjusted based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. Great Work/Life Benefits! Competitive wages Medical with telemedicine Dental and Vision Basic and Optional Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Maternity, Parental, Family Care Community Volunteer Time Off 12 Paid Holidays Company Paid Disability Insurance 401k (with employer match) Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with company provided contributions Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Supplemental Insurance Mental Health and Well-being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition Reimbursement Wellness program Benefits are subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions Velera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law. Velera is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following "EEO is the Law" Poster. Velera will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information. Velera is an E-Verify Employer. Review the E-Verify Poster here. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here. This role is currently not eligible for sponsorship. As an ongoing commitment to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities please contact a recruiter at [email protected] for assistance. An Inclusive Atmosphere Where Possibilities are Delivered “Our Momentum. Your Moment.” At Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, you’ll find it’s your time to join our exceptional culture and shine. If you want to help shape an industry, challenge yourself and invest in your future, you’ve come to the right place. Velera is a highly accessible environment where you’re empowered to think on your feet, work from your heart and discover the very best version of your professional and personal self. Your Voice Matters and Your Contributions are Rewarded You’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to wait your turn for the best opportunities to present themselves at Velera. Our atmosphere is designed for those who have a curious mindset and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. We invite you to bring your voice to our diverse team and take advantage of the wide variety of resources available to you. Powered by supportive leadership and innovative technology, we have exceptional learning, training and leadership development programs, as well as online courses to help you claim the brighter, more meaningful future you’ve always imagined. We Help Credit Unions Deliver Possibilities Velera has a proud history as an empowering resource for credit unions and their members, enabling them to optimize operations and realize sustained success. How have we done that? It starts by investing heavily in leading-edge technological innovations. It continues by building a track record of quality service and having the courage to lead. Now, as we continue to grow and help our credit unions prepare for the future, we’re well-positioned to build on our exhilarating momentum. Committed to service excellence and focused on innovation, Velera’s payment processing, risk management, data and analytics, loyalty programs, digital banking, marketing, strategic consulting and mobile platforms help deliver possibilities and seamless member experiences. Comprehensive, 24/7/365 member support is provided by contact centers located throughout the United States. Service Excellence – Delivering the Best We provide credit unions and their members with state-of-the-heart service. Security – Protecting Vital Interests We stop threats before they can cause damage. Digital Solutions – Presenting the Future We make it possible for members to conveniently experience the best in credit union services. Strategic Growth – Opening New Opportunities As the perfect partner with all the right tools, we help credit unions achieve their goals.