Sr. Leave & Accommodations Specialist

columbiasportswearcompany; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is seeking a Senior Leave & Accommodations Specialist to join our Global Benefits & HR Compliance team in a hybrid role based near Portland, Oregon. You will lead the accommodation program, support leave administration, and collaborate with HR partners, payroll, and external vendors to ensure accurate program delivery.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in leave and accommodation programs, is adept at handling confidential information, and is committed to

Qualifications

• 5+ years administering leave of absence and accommodation programs
• Experience supporting employer-sponsored health and welfare benefits
• Experience owning ADA accommodations and the interactive process
• Experience supporting employees in Oregon or administering Oregon leave programs
• Experience partnering with HR teams, employees, managers, and external vendors to administer HR programs
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Lead accommodation program
• Support leave of absence program
• Support wellbeing initiatives, benefit administration activities, compliance projects, and other employee programs as needed
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to ensure effective program administration
• Contribute to key projects, including benefits and leave vendor evaluations, RFP activities, annual enrollment planning, and process improvement initiatives
• Play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing programs through program administration, vendor coordination, communications, reporting, and employee engagement initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance employee support, and strengthen operational effectiveness across the team

Skills

Leave administration

ADA accommodations

Vendor coordination

HRIS Workday

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

Senior Leave & Accommodations Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

Join Columbia Sportswear Company's Global Benefits & HR Compliance team and play a vital role in supporting employees through some of the most important moments of their careers and lives. This team manages a broad portfolio including benefits, wellbeing programs, leave administration, ADA accommodations, retirement programs, HR compliance, immigration, mobility, and global benefits initiatives. We're seeking a collaborative HR professional who enjoys solving problems, supporting employees, and helping teams operate efficiently in a dynamic environment. This position is being hired as part of a planned succession and knowledge-transfer effort, creating an opportunity to learn from experienced team members while contributing immediately to key programs and initiatives.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Lead accommodation program
• Support leave of absence program
• Support wellbeing initiatives, benefit administration activities, compliance projects, and other employee programs as needed.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to ensure effective program administration.
• Contribute to key projects, including benefits and leave vendor evaluations, RFP activities, annual enrollment planning, and process improvement initiatives.
• Play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing programs through program administration, vendor coordination, communications, reporting, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance employee support, and strengthen operational effectiveness across the team.

YOU ARE

• A collaborative team player who willingly jumps in wherever support is needed.
• Adaptable and comfortable managing changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Self-directed and confident working independently while knowing when to seek guidance or escal.
• Curious and eager to learn new programs, systems, and areas of HR expertise.
• Passionate about supporting employee wellbeing and delivering exceptional employee experiences.

YOU HAVE

• 5+ years of experience administering leave of absence and accommodation programs, with experience supporting employer-sponsored health and welfare benefits.
• Experience owning ADA accommodations and the interactive process. Experience supporting employees in Oregon or administering Oregon leave programs.
• Experience partnering with HR teams, employees, managers, and external vendors to administer HR programs effectively.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using HRIS platforms such as Workday and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• A bachelor's degree, applicable certification, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Experience handling confidential employee information and navigating sensitive employee situations with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with leave or accommodation vendors and/or participating in leave program implementations or transitions.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives, RFPs, vendor management activities, or cross-functional HR projects.
• Experience coordinating employee wellbeing events, engagement activities, or wellness program initiatives.

Work Arrangement

On-site Monday through Thursday with work-from-home flexibility on Fridays. Standard day schedule.

Why Join Us?

This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of HR programs and a clear opportunity for professional growth. You'll work alongside experienced subject matter experts, contribute to high-impact projects, and help shape the employee experience across benefits, wellbeing, compliance, leave administration, retirement, immigration, mobility programs. The position provides broad HR exposure while allowing you to deepen your expertise in leave and accommodations.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov