Talent.com
Director, Benefits and Leave
Director, Benefits and LeaveDistrict of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) • Washington, DC, United States
Director, Benefits and Leave

Director, Benefits and Leave

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) • Washington, DC, United States
job_description.job_card.30_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
job_description.job_card.job_description

Join to apply for the Director, Benefits and Leave role at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Director, Benefits and Leave role at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) provided pay range

This range is provided by District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$115,320.00 / yr - $130,146.00 / yr

Position Overview

The Office of Employee Services (OES) is dedicated to enhancing student success by attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent in DC Public Schools. By providing exceptional employee services support to our DCPS team members from recruitment to retirement, we aim to empower our employees to focus on what matters most—our students. With a focus on people-centered support and operational excellence, we leverage talent with a goal of all students being supported by staff who feel valued. OES is comprised of the following teams :

  • The Compensation and Retirement team is responsible for ensuring that DCPS administers compensation policies consistently and in accordance with applicable legislation and collective bargaining agreements. The team also provides support to departments during reorganizations, reductions in force (RIFs), and other personnel action such as hiring, transfers, promotions and demotions. Additionally, they offer counseling, guidance, and strategic planning for employee retirement.
  • The Benefits and Leave team is responsible for administering employee benefits and managing leave of absence (LOA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) processes. This team also oversees the agency's health, life, tax-sheltered annuity, flexible spending, and supplemental benefits programs.
  • The HR Information Systems and Records Management team ensures systems data integrity, manages the data reporting function, processes personnel actions in PeopleSoft, provides position management support for schools and Central Services, provides time and labor support, and manages the personnel filing system for all DCPS employees. The team also serves as a key HR partner to external agencies like the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), the DC Office of Human Resources (DCHR), and the Office of Pay and Retirement Services (OPRS).
  • The Employee Experience (EE) team provides all new employees with robust onboarding support and leads the development and implementation of resources, workshops, and events designed to support employee needs. EE also supports procedural compliance related to background clearance checks for DCPS employees and manages additional support functions including the Employee Services helpline, walk-in visitor reception, and employee offboarding processes.
  • The Strategic Staffing team is responsible for hiring for all positions in DCPS. The team provides budgeting support, works with principals and supervisors to develop their staffing plans and personnel budgets, and works with employees, principals, and hiring managers on staffing changes.
  • The Instructional Talent Acquisition and Retention division is responsible for the recruitment, selection, and retention efforts for educational aides, related service providers, instructional coaches, and teachers. This work includes nationwide recruitment to ensure that DCPS has excellent educators who are able to serve the diverse needs of our students.

The Director of Benefits and Leave leads the Benefits and Leave team and is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all employee benefits and leave programs within DC Public Schools (DCPS). This role ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies and drives continuous improvement in service delivery in the areas of benefits and leave of absence. The Director also serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders and plays a critical role in aligning benefits and leave operations with broader organizational goals.

The Director, Benefits and Leave will report to the Deputy Chief, HR Operations .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and / or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

  • Leads the development and execution of benefits and leave strategies aligned with DCPS priorities.
  • Establish and uphold high standards for customer service by guiding staff toward excellence through training, support, and clear expectations, while consistently monitoring performance and holding team members accountable to ensure service quality and consistency.
  • Establishes clear, measurable goals for projects and operational initiatives, and tracks progress towards those goals; translates these into actionable work plans for direct reports.
  • Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff; supports professional development and training.
  • Identifies and implements best practices in operational and project management across the Benefits and Leave team.
  • Continuously assesses workflows and systems to improve efficiency, stakeholder communication, and employee support services.
  • Anticipates and resolves complex challenges to ensure the success of benefits and leave initiatives.
  • Aligns team resources and priorities with broader DCPS initiatives and strategic goals.
  • Operations & Compliance

  • Manages escalations across all benefits and leave workstreams, including Supplemental Retirement, Unemployment, and Death Claims.
  • Ensure strong fiscal stewardship in the administration of employee benefits and leave programs by understanding implications to budget, analyzing cost drivers, identifying opportunities for savings, and implementing strategies that balance financial sustainability with employee satisfaction and compliance.
  • Oversees vendor relationships for Benefits and Supplemental Retirement, including event coordination and performance oversight.
  • Performs Tier 2 processing for Supplemental Retirement, including Retirement Manager system updates and loan overrides.
  • Serves as a witness in DCPS unemployment hearings and acts as the point of contact for Department of Employment Services audits.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves complex PeopleSoft issues related to benefits and leave.
  • Processes Extended Leave, FMLA, and Paid Family Leave (PFML) requests.
  • Administers benefits and leave accrual settlements, reinstatements, and year-end leave restoration.
  • Coordinates benefits refunds with vendors and the Office of Pay and Retirement Services (OPRS), including 403(b) plans.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

  • Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration and project success.
  • Communicates regularly with agency partners through meetings, email, and inter-agency forums.
  • Ensures benefits and leave information is accessible and clearly communicated to all eligible DCPS employees.
  • Data & Policy Analysis

  • Oversees the analysis and presentation of key benefits and leave data, including benefits enrollment trends and leave utilization.
  • Shares progress updates with stakeholders and incorporates feedback into ongoing improvements.
  • Monitors developments in benefits and leave policy and research; advises DCPS leadership on relevant legislation, policies, and directives.
  • Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 7–10 years of progressive experience in benefits and leave administration, including supervisory or managerial roles.
  • Strong knowledge of federal and local employment laws (e.g., FMLA, PFML, ADA, unemployment).
  • Experience with HRIS systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage complex operations.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
  • Preferred Skills :
  • HR or Benefits certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
  • Experience in a public sector or unionized environment.
  • Familiarity with retirement plan administration and audit processes.
  • Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
  • DCPS Values

  • STUDENTS FIRST : We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
  • COURAGE : We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
  • EQUITY : We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
  • EXCELLENCE : We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
  • TEAMWORK : We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
  • JOY : We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.
  • Seniority level

    Seniority level

    Director

    Employment type

    Employment type

    Full-time

    Job function

    Job function

    Human Resources, Management, and Project Management

    Industries

    Human Resources Services and Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds

    Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) by 2x

    Inferred from the description for this job

    Medical insurance

    Vision insurance

    Paid maternity leave

    Paid paternity leave

    Get notified when a new job is posted.

    Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Benefits” roles.

    Washington DC-Baltimore Area $175,000.00-$210,000.00 2 weeks ago

    District of Columbia, United States $155,000.00-$165,000.00 2 weeks ago

    Vice President of Human Resources and Administration

    Washington, DC $150,000.00-$200,000.00 1 month ago

    Global Director, Human Resources Business Operation

    Washington, DC $180,000.00-$230,000.00 1 week ago

    McLean, VA $175,900.00-$312,500.00 2 weeks ago

    Global Director, Human Resources Business Operation

    Washington, DC $180,000.00-$230,000.00 1 hour ago

    Fairfax, VA $85,000.00-$95,000.00 1 month ago

    Arlington, VA $150,000.00-$175,000.00 1 week ago

    Washington, DC $217,800.00-$280,000.00 21 hours ago

    Director, People & Culture – DP&C - 26000

    Washington, DC $124,200.00-$178,600.00 1 week ago

    McLean, VA $152,200.00-$293,900.00 1 week ago

    Director, HR Business Partner - Capital One Travel

    Washington, DC $126,000.00-$145,000.00 2 months ago

    HR Recruitment Director - Remote - Seeking Change

    Herndon, VA $160,000.00-$185,000.00 1 week ago

    McLean, VA $149,000.00-$248,000.00 6 days ago

    Washington, DC $115,320.00-$130,146.00 1 day ago

    Director, Leader of Talent Systems (Contract, Remote)

    McLean, VA $135,000.00-$165,000.00 2 weeks ago

    Market Director - Human Resources, DC Market

    Washington, DC $166,140.00-$240,918.00 1 month ago

    Bethesda, MD $125,600.00-$176,900.00 2 weeks ago

    Sterling, VA $100,000.00-$110,000.00 2 days ago

    Washington, DC $127,030.00-$177,839.00 3 weeks ago

    Rockville, MD $100,000.00-$110,000.00 1 hour ago

    Director, Team Member Relations & Compliance

    Washington, DC $190,000.00-$218,000.00 2 days ago

    Senior Director, Talent Acquisition Partner

    Bethesda, MD $147,000.00-$256,300.00 1 month ago

    We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

    #J-18808-Ljbffr

    serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Director And And • Washington, DC, United States

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    Senior Analyst, Benefits and Leave Management

    Senior Analyst, Benefits and Leave Management

    Stand Together • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Senior Analyst, Benefits and Leave Management.Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America's boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country's biggest problems, from ed...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Sales - Senior Living

    Director of Sales - Senior Living

    CSM Senior Living Management • Reston, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director of Admissions – Senior Living.Are you a relationship-builder with a heart for helping others? We're looking for a passionate and results-driven. In this key leadership role, you'll partner ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director, Strategic Partnerships

    Director, Strategic Partnerships

    Babylist • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director, Strategic Partnerships.Babylist is the leading registry, e-commerce, and content platform for growing families. More than 9 million people shop with Babylist every year, making it the go-t...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Compensation and Benefits

    Director of Compensation and Benefits

    Cato Networks • Washington, DC, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    At Cato Networks, we have a team of veteran technology and security experts, looking to change the world.We believe that while good engineers can create simple solutions for complex problems, great...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_1_day • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Sales – Senior Living

    Director of Sales – Senior Living

    CSM Senior Living Management • Reston, VA, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director of Admissions – Senior Living.Are you a relationship-builder with a heart for helping others? We’re looking for a passionate and results-driven. In this key leadership role, you’ll partner ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Director, Strategic Impact and Engagement

    Senior Director, Strategic Impact and Engagement

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce • Washington, DC, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Senior Director, Strategic Impact and Engagement.Headquarters, 1615 H Street, NW, Washington, District Of Columbia, United States of America. Posted Friday, October 24, 2025 at 4 : 00 AM.Chamber of Co...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Director Of Business Development - Hospice

    Director Of Business Development - Hospice

    BrightSpring Health Services • Baltimore, MD, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director Of Business Development.BrightSpring Health Services is searching for a Director of Business Development to lead growth initiatives that help deliver quality end-of-life care to patients a...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director, Benefits

    Director, Benefits

    Choice Hotels International • Rockville, MD, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Director, Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefits programs that support the health, financial security, and overall w...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Manager, Total Rewards (Compensation and Benefits)

    Manager, Total Rewards (Compensation and Benefits)

    Corus World Health • Washington, DC, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Position Title : Manager, Total Rewards.Position Type : Regular Full-Time.Department : Global Human Resources.Location : Washington, DC - Hybrid. Salary Range : $68,000 - $85,000 - $102,000.serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_1_day • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Sr. Specialist, Benefits

    Sr. Specialist, Benefits

    General Dynamics • Reston, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    This position supports the benefits team with the implementation, administration, and coordination of General Dynamics employee benefit programs. The individual will provide critical analytical and ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Benefits Specialist, Retirement

    Senior Benefits Specialist, Retirement

    The Washington Post • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America.At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Director, Brand Engagement- Luxury, Lifestyle and Full Service

    Senior Director, Brand Engagement- Luxury, Lifestyle and Full Service

    Hilton • Falls Church, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Supply Management, Procurement, Purchasing, and Receiving.This is your chance to be part of our in-house Hilton Supply Management (HSM) team that supports our brands, owners, and operators! HSM has...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Employee Benefits Consultant - American Heritage

    Senior Employee Benefits Consultant - American Heritage

    The Standard • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Senior Employee Benefits Consultant.The next part of your journey is right around the corner with The Standard.A genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others is the foundation for ev...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Director, Payroll & Benefits

    Senior Director, Payroll & Benefits

    HighLevel • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Senior Director, Payroll & Benefits.HighLevel is an AI powered, all-in-one white-label sales & marketing platform that empowers agencies, entrepreneurs, and businesses to elevate their digital pres...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Business Development Home Health

    Director of Business Development Home Health

    Enhabit Home Health & Hospice • Fairfax, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Are you in search of a new career opportunity that makes a meaningful impact? If so, now is the time to find your calling at Enhabit Home Health & Hospice. As a national leader in home-based care, E...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Contract Benefits Manager

    Contract Benefits Manager

    The HR Source • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Our client, a top HR source, is looking for a Contract Benefits Manager to join their Human Resources division.This is a full-time, exempt, contract position lasting four to five months.The role is...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30 • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Benefits and Wellbeing Manager - Americas

    Benefits and Wellbeing Manager - Americas

    Hogan Lovells • Washington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time +1
    The Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs across the firm's U.Leave of Absence (LOA) management. This role reports to the Director of Benefi...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    HR Benefits Specialist

    HR Benefits Specialist

    Addison Group • Herndon, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.permanent
    Our client is a long-standing organization with a strong commitment to quality and community.With decades of proven success, they continue to grow and evolve while maintaining a supportive, employe...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_more
    serp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted