Benefits and Leave Administrator
Next Decade
Accounting & Finance
Brownsville, TX, USA
Posted on Jun 10, 2025
ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION
NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction and carbon capture and storage infrastructure. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development. We are also developing a potential carbon capture and storage project at the facility that is expected to make meaningful impacts toward a lower carbon future. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
The Benefits and Leave Management Administrator is responsible for supporting the administration of employee benefits and leave programs while also providing payroll support. This role will serve as the first point of contact for employee inquiries about benefits, time off and payroll. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of benefits, and the ability to support employees through the benefits and leave processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Respond to employee questions about benefits programs, including health insurance, wellness initiatives, and other voluntary benefits.
- Assist employees with benefits enrollment, changes, and claims resolution.
- Conduct regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Monitor and review weekly EDI carrier file feeds and address discrepancies.
- Track and review monthly benefits invoices.
- Support annual open enrollment and delivery of employee communication.
- Assist with logistics and coordination of benefit-related events.
- Respond to employee questions about leave programs, including FMLA, parental leave, short-term and long-term disability, and personal leaves of absence.
- Process and track leave requests, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate and confidential leave records, documenting leave dates, durations, and relevant documentation.
- Coordinate with HSSE and Occupational Health Lead Advisor on return-to-work process and related accommodations.
- Conduct weekly benefit orientation sessions for new hires.
- Address employee questions and provide guidance on benefits enrollment, changes, and claims resolution in a timely manner.
- Communicate changes or updates to leave and benefits procedures.
- Conduct informational sessions on leave policies and benefits programs for employees in Brownsville.
- Address general payroll inquiries from employees.
- Assist supervisors in reviewing and approving employee timecards before payroll processing.
- Manage employee time off, sick leave, vacation, and FMLA tracking.
- Maintain the confidentiality and security of employee data.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in benefits administration and leave management.
- Knowledge of federal and state laws related to benefits and leave including COBRA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and other relevant policies to ensure compliance.
- Proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits management software (e.g., Workday, ADP).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Intermediate Excel skills for data manipulation and reporting.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Certification in HR or Benefits Administration (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS).
- Experience with payroll support.
- Experience with employee wellness and engagement programs.
- Experience in the energy / oil & gas industry.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc.This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
· Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary.
· Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending, standing on a stool, or climbing as necessary to perform these functions.
· While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear.
· The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
· Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities.
· Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
· Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
· Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
· Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
· Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
· Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
· Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed.
NextDecadeprovides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecadecomplies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.