Benefits & Leave Specialist

Nicolet National Bank; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Ins.

401(k) with company match

PTO and 11½ paid holidays

Job summary

Nicolet National Bank is seeking a Benefits & Leave Specialist to administer and coordinate our benefits and leave programs. You will guide employees and managers on plan options, COBRA, leave processes, and related programs while ensuring accurate, compliant administration.

You will partner with HR and vendors, support open enrollment, and maintain enrollment systems. This role requires strong confidentiality, communication skills, and knowledge of applicable laws; excellent organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in benefits administration.
• Benefits-specific certifications are a plus.
• Strong knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and state leave requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate benefit enrollments, changes, terminations with third‑party administrator.
• Respond to inquiries on benefit claims, enrollments, and plan changes.
• Assist with annual open enrollment and update enrollment systems timely.
• Ensure COBRA and HIPAA compliance.
• Assist in administration of 401(k), and other plans.
• Support monthly insurance billing reconciliations and payments.
• Administer leave programs including guidance and compliance with laws.
• Provide confidential HR guidance to employees and managers.
• Communicate benefits/HR updates to staff.
• Support off‑boarding, including documentation and workflows.
• Generate ad‑hoc compliance and reporting materials.
• Provide backup support within the department.

Skills

Benefits administration

Leave administration

Compliance (COBRA HIPAA FMLA ADA)

Payroll collaboration

Confidentiality

Reporting & analytics

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Office software

Job description

At Nicolet National Bank, our culture is based on the principles of community banking, putting the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision‑making. Our Core Values drive everything we do, and we are committed to serving our customers with excellence. We believe that every job in our organization is critical to our success, and we are dedicated to creating a work environment where our employees feel valued, respected, and supported. With locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, and Florida we are proud to serve our local communities and make a positive impact on the lives of our customers. At Nicolet National Bank, we believe that our people are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to investing in their growth and development.

Benefits & Leave Specialist

The Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for administering and coordinating the company's benefits and leave programs, including employee onboarding and education, benefit enrollments and changes, leave case support, vendor coordination, and compliance with applicable benefit and leave laws and regulations. This role serves as a trusted resource to employees and managers by providing guidance on benefit plans, COBRA, leave processes, and related programs while supporting accurate and efficient administration.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations and communicate with the third‑party administrator concerning administration of programs.
• Respond to managers and employees with benefit inquiries such as claim issues, enrollments, status changes, and plan changes.
• Assist with annual open enrollment and ensure information in the online enrollment system is updated timely and accurately; assist with open enrollment presentation materials as requested.
• Ensure compliance with COBRA and HIPAA guidelines.
• Assist in the administration of 401(k), equity, and non‑qualified deferred compensation plans.
• Support monthly insurance billing reconciliations and ensure timely review, accuracy, and payment coordination.
• Administer and coordinate the company's leave programs and leave administration processes, including employee and manager guidance, vendor coordination, case tracking, and compliance with FMLA notice requirements, ADA accommodation processes, and applicable state leave laws.
• Provide confidential, thoughtful counsel to employees on benefits and other human‑resources policies and procedures.
• Communicate benefit updates and other HR updates to employees as necessary.
• Support off‑boarding of employees, including termination workflows, termination letters, and associated paperwork.
• Generate ad‑hoc reports for managers and other compliance matters.
• Provide back‑up administrative assistance to colleagues within the department as necessary.
• Uphold Nicolet's philosophy and policies by maintaining appropriate controls to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations, thereby fulfilling legal responsibilities and enhancing the quality of services provided by Nicolet.
• Understand and communicate the value of diversity within the workplace and work successfully with others without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability status, socioeconomic status, or other non‑job‑related classifications, including a commitment to Nicolet's policies on equal employment opportunities and non‑discrimination and a willingness to pursue efforts of inclusion and respect toward different perspectives.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in benefits administration.
• Benefits‑specific certifications such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist or Group Benefits Associate are a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of employee benefit programs, leave administration, and applicable laws and regulations, including COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave requirements.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, taxation, and the interaction between payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong organizational, case‑management, prioritization, and follow‑through skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Effective research, problem‑solving, and analytical skills with the ability to interpret policies, investigate issues, and recommend appropriate next steps.
• Strong proficiency with HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, case management, and standard office technology and systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex policies and procedures.
• Ability to represent the bank in a professional and positive manner.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• PTO and 11½ paid holidays

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled