Assistant Director of Services

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THIS CLASS: The incumbent supports the Director of Employee Services in the administration, oversight, and continuous improvement of employee benefits, compensation, absence and leave administration, workers' compensation, retirement services, employee wellness initiatives, safety programs, and other employee support services designed to attract, support, and retain a highly qualified workforce.

The position is responsible for coordinating employee benefit programs; compensation plans and administration; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; managing relationships with benefit providers and third-party administrators; overseeing employee leave and retirement processes; monitoring workers' compensation and risk management activities; and developing systems and procedures that improve operational efficiency and employee service delivery.

The Assistant Director serves as a key operational leader within the Human Resources Department and provides project management support for district wide employee services initiatives. The incumbent analyzes employee services data, develops reports and recommendations, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and supports strategic workforce initiatives related to employee health, wellness, attendance, and retention.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Employee Services with considerable latitude for independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities. General supervision may be exercised over professional, technical, and support staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK

ACTIVITIES:

Employee Benefits Administration

• Assists in the administration and oversight of employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, and other employee benefit offerings.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit orientations.
• Serves as a resource to employees, supervisors, and administrators regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, and program requirements.
• Monitors benefit utilization and plan performance and develops recommendations for program improvements.
• Coordinates communications regarding benefit changes, program enhancements, and regulatory updates.
• Assists in evaluating benefit offerings and vendor performance.
• Oversees reconciliation processes related to employee benefit deductions and enrollment records.

Employee Compensation Administration

• Assists in the administration and oversight of accurate entry, maintenance, and auditing of compensation and position data to ensure compliance with bargaining unit agreements, compensation policies, and organizational requirements.
• Ensures all employees receive appropriate compensation based on seniority, position requirements, and contractual obligations, including the timely and accurate processing of pay adjustments.
• Assists in overseeing regular audits and reconciliations of employee, position, and compensation data; identifying discrepancies, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring records remain compliant and audit ready.
• Collaborates with HR, Payroll, and departmental leadership to resolve data inconsistencies, support compliance efforts, and maintain accurate workforce information for reporting and decision-making.

Leave Administration, Retirement, and Employee Support Services

• Oversees employee leave administration programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family Leave (PFL), disability benefits, military leave, and contractual leave provisions.
• Coordinates retirement…