Job Description

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

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 districtwide 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 counseling services and assists employees with retirement planning and transition processes.
• Ensures compliance with New York State and federal laws governing employee leave and retirement programs.
• Develops procedures and resources designed to improve employee understanding of available benefits and services.
• Assists in the administration of employee assistance, wellness, and support programs.
• Coordinates employee service initiatives designed to improve employee engagement, wellness, and workplace satisfaction.

Workers' Compensation, and Risk Management

• Assists in administering workers' compensation, and related employee claims programs.
• Coordinates investigations, claim documentation, and communication with third-party administrators, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitors claim activity, trends, costs, and program effectiveness.
• Develops strategies to reduce workplace injuries, claims costs, absenteeism, and operational disruptions.
• Assists in the implementation of safety initiatives and employee health programs.
• Participates in district safety and health committees and supports compliance with workplace safety requirements.
• Maintains records and reports required by regulatory agencies and auditors.

Compliance, Data Analysis, and Reporting

• Monitors compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies related to employee services.
• Develops, maintains, and analyzes employee services dashboards, metrics, and reports.
• Collects, validates, analyzes, and interprets data related to employee benefits, compensation, leaves, workers' compensation, absenteeism, retirement, and workforce trends.
• Prepares reports and recommendations for district leadership, Human Resources staff, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Identifies opportunities to improve operational processes, compliance, and customer service.
• Assists with audits and reviews related to employee benefits, compensation, payroll interfaces, retirement reporting, and employee services programs.
• Assists in identifying, evaluating, and implementing technology solutions that improve employee services operations.
• Coordinates processes related to benefits administration systems, compensation systems, leave tracking systems, retirement reporting, and employee self-service platforms.
• Develops procedures and workflow improvements designed to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Assists in managing data integrity and recordkeeping standards across employee services functions.
• Supports implementation of new software systems and operational initiatives.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Assists the Director of Employee Services in monitoring departmental goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned professional, technical, and support staff.
• Coordinates cross-functional projects involving Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Risk Management, Legal Counsel, and district leadership.
• Develops training materials and provides technical assistance to administrators and staff regarding employee services programs and procedures.
• Establishes productive working relationships with employee groups, benefit providers, consultants, governmental agencies, and community partners.
• Assists in policy development, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of employee benefits administration and human resources practices.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws governing employee benefits, leave administration, retirement systems, workers' compensation, and workplace safety.
• Good knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and public-sector employment practices.
• Good knowledge of risk management principles and employee wellness programs.
• Good knowledge of data collection, analysis, reporting, and dashboard development.
• Good knowledge of human resources information systems and benefits administration platforms.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate complex employee services programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and technical guidance.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and present complex employee services and workforce data.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports, recommendations, and presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and initiative.

Personal Characteristics

• Leadership ability.
• Professional integrity.
• Initiative.
• Resourcefulness.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Customer-service orientation.
• Collaborative approach.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Option A – Educational Leadership Certification Pathway

Possession of a valid New York State School District Leader (SDL), School District Administrator (SDA), or School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) certificate.

Option B – Civil Service Pathway

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master's Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in employee benefits administration, leave administration, labor relations, human resources administration, risk management, workers' compensation, retirement administration, or a closely related field, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Option C – Civil Service Pathway

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the fields identified above and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience as described above, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Option D

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (B) and (C).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public education, higher education, government, or other large public-sector organizations.
• Experience administering employee benefits, retirement, leave administration, workers' compensation, risk management, or employee wellness programs.
• Experience supervising professional, technical, and clerical staff.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience utilizing HRIS, benefits administration, payroll, or employee services management systems.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-HR, CEBS, or a related credential.

SALARY

Salary and benefits pursuant to the Unit 3A Agreement Letter with a starting salary range of $140,596-$156,398 depending on qualifications and experience.

This position is a supervisory Superintendent’s appointment. As such, it is not a probationary appointment and may be terminated at any time. The selected candidate will knowingly waive rights under New York Education Law or Civil Service Law to a permanent appointment or to Section 75 rights under Civil Service Law. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the district’s hiring requirements, including fingerprinting clearances.