Leave Manager

The Leave Manager oversees the administration of all employee leave programs – including FMLA , Maine FML , Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave ( PFML ), 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. This role offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, with the possibility of working up to two days per week remotely following the initial familiarization period. The successful candidate must be able to attend regularly scheduled on‑campus meetings 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
• Serve as the primary contact for employees requesting FMLA , Maine FML , Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave ( PFML ), 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.
• Coordinate concurrent federal, state, University, ADA , Workers’ Compensation, and paid‑time‑off programs.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of all medical and accommodation records by ensuring documentation is securely maintained in separate confidential files apart from regular personnel records, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, institutional policy, and privacy requirements.
• Ensure compliance with FMLA , Maine leave laws, ADA , Workers’ Compensation requirements, and related federal and state regulations.
• 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…