Director, Pension Operations

A national Multiemployer Fund is currently seeking a Director of Pension Operations capable of directing all aspects of a defined benefit plan. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational and analytical skills, knowledge of pension plans or similar retirement benefits, and, most importantly, a strong leader that is willing to take ownership of the position. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

The Director of Pension Operations (“Pension Department”) will assume overall responsibility for managing the Pension Department and staff and overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of the Pension Department in accordance with all respective Trust Agreements and Plan Documents adopted by the Trustees. This responsibility includes developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, programs, standards and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant local, state and federal regulations and requirements, including ERISA, DOL and IRS. The Director of Pension Operations must be able to effectively set goals for, direct and motivate staff, and interact collaboratively with the Executive Director, Trustees, participants, employers, unions, and professional advisors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee day-to-day Pension operations: Ensure operational accuracy and compliance of the administration of the pension plan; direct the Pension Department staff to ensure timely and accurate delivery of pension benefits; establish and monitor operational policies, procedures and standards to ensure efficiency, accuracy and prompt, accurate service to participants; review and recommend appropriate department structure, staffing, processes, procedures, policies, and audit functions for the department.
• Strategic planning: Assist the Executive Director in establishing goals for short- and long-range strategic plans; develop departmental plans to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
• Oversee supervision of benefits staff: Provide vision, leadership, guidance, and motivation to approximately the Pension staff; oversee development and training of Pension staff to maintain current knowledge/skills and ensure professional growth; ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
• Ensure compliance: Consult with outside professionals on compliance matters as needed; assist in submission of government mandated forms; remain informed of all plan provisions for the Pension Fund; network regularly with professional organizations and colleagues in the industry to stay informed of new regulations, recent events and/or other situations that could affect the Fund; analyze and evaluate retirement benefit trends and applicable pension legislation to ensure that the Fund are compliant with such legislation, and if needed, develop specific recommendations for Executive Director.
• Communication of plan changes: Ensure all Pension plan and policy changes are communicated to staff, participants, employers, unions, as well as other plan professionals and colleagues as needed; ensure that all participant communications and required notices for the Pension Fund are completed and distributed in a timely manner; communicate with participants, professional advisors, governmental agencies, employers, unions and Trustees.
• Ensure adequate systems and technology: Ensure systems are maintained, updated and tested in a timely and accurate manner to support the Pension Fund’s recordkeeping, benefit processing and participant service needs; assist IT/system vendor with the development of system requirements and implementation and testing of new benefits administration systems, programs and changes.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of related defined benefit or other related retirement benefit experience required, including a minimum of five (5) years of management level experience. Prior experience in Taft-Hartley or collective bargaining environment a plus.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., MBA, CEBS, etc.) a plus.
• Special Skills or Credentials: The selected candidate will have strong knowledge of pension benefits and governmental/legislative regulations (ERISA, DOL, PPA) governing pension plans. The ideal candidate must be proactive, energetic and passionate about their work and goal-oriented. They must have excellent team leadership and development abilities, have excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, provide the highest-quality customer service and work well with all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will also be detail oriented and highly organized, have strong analytical skills, excellent project management skills, be able to multi-task and prioritize effectively in order to meet deadlines and be a team player. Proficiency with current technologies and MS Office suite and experience with benefits administration systems required. Limited travel may be required for Board or other meetings.

TO APPLY

The Funds offer a competitive salary and a fully paid, comprehensive benefits package. The Funds are an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements to [email protected] referencing Job: 14361. Your resume will be forwarded.