Deputy Administrator

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

2d • $160,000 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is to deliver unparalleled service in providing retirement benefits to Arizona’s community of police officers, firefighters, corrections’ officers, judicial and elected officials. PSPRS serves approximately 60,000 active and retired public employees and is nationally recognized for its administrative and pension management excellence. We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits to those eager to serve our membership and mission. PSPRS is seeking a Deputy Administrator with an open and transparent servant leadership style with the integrity necessary to maintain the standard of excellence required in serving our pension plan participants. Under the direction and supervision of the Administrator, the main function of the Deputy Administrator will be oversight of the operations of internal business units, including supervision of subordinate personnel. Additionally, the Deputy Administrator may act on behalf of the Administrator in the absence of the Administrator. The selected candidate is expected to be flexible, adaptable and responsive to the needs of the entire organization, and able to manage tactical and strategic issues simultaneously. Other functions may include, but are not limited to, recommendations to the Administrator for changes to PSPRS policies, procedures and operations; liaison to the System’s external consultants and stakeholders; the management of Request for Proposal processes and the conduct of special projects. The Deputy Administrator will also play a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Board of Trustee’s strategic plan while measuring and monitoring organizational performance to achieve the initiatives and goals prescribed therein. Success for the System is created through improved systems, improved service to members, innovation, enhanced service delivery, collaboration and engaged employees, which in turn results in greater impacts for our communities. Therefore, to be successful the Deputy Administrator must have the skills to listen well, think clearly, analyze carefully, and communicate effectively. Additional criteria for consideration are demonstrated management success in a comparable or larger complex organization, interest and desire to serve the needs of employees, a commitment to public service, and the ability to function in a fast-paced, high-demand and collegial environment. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and the confidence of internal and external contacts including, but not limited to, the PSPRS Board of Trustees, executive and subordinate staff, government executives at the state and local level, members and staff of legislative and regulatory bodies, member representative groups and the media.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently with little or no supervision under high pressure and sensitive conditions.
• A willingness to delegate as appropriate while planning, organizing and prioritizing work assignments and tasks within the appropriate deadlines and deliverables required to manage multiple complex projects in a steady-paced and changing environment.
• Ability to show great drive and commitment to the organization’s purpose and principles while inspiring others to do the same by building trust and encouraging engaged employees.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing member and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of member satisfaction.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Demonstrated ability in utilizing active listening skills, including giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Ability to identify and effectively communicate business operation or procedural shortcomings and to serve as a facilitator in developing appropriate and timely resolutions, including a sound understanding and proven experience in the utilization of information technology to achieve those ends.
• Ability to effectively use interpersonal, communication and presentation skills to (1) explain complex concepts with all levels of the organization, board members and external stakeholders; (2) generate enthusiasm, consensus, and collaboration; and (3) write skillfully and effectively using the rules of English grammar and composition to prepare, review and edit a variety of complex correspondence, contracts, reports and other documents.
• Proven ability to be firm in appropriate convictions, yet demonstrate genuine kindness, integrity and a high degree of ethics while treating al individuals with professionalism and respect during daily interactions to build relationships and collaboration across organizational and external boundaries when needed, thereby influencing other to be the same.
• Ability to quickly organize and think methodically about difficult and complex ideas and issues in order to exercise decisive judgment by gathering broad and balanced input, drawing sound conclusions and translating those conclusions into timely decisions and actions.
• Proven knowledge and thorough understanding of actuarial, accounting and auditing concepts, methods and principles in the administration of a public or private pension payment system.
• Proven ability in developing, leading and participating in teams and work groups in order to formulate a unified approach to problem solving and plan development.
• Strong demonstrated ability to pay meticulous attention to detail and exercise prudent and precise wisdom to ensure appropriate, accurate and timely communication of information and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated desire to continuously increase knowledge, skills, and abilities by furthering education through academic and professional opportunities.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in business management, public administration, accounting, law, or other closely related field.
• Extensive executive level experience in a public or private pension system desired but not required.
• Broad experience in administrative functions to include accounting, member service or benefits administration.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, budgeting, internal controls, communications and project planning.
• Professional certifications or demonstration of continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee operations of internal business units as assigned, including the supervision of subordinate personnel.
• Assist in Board of Trustee reporting functions and participate in those meetings, including review and analysis of agenda materials.
• Coordinate and implement policy matters and system initiatives by facilitating communication and coordination among internal business units on such matters.
• As directed by the Administrator, represents PSPRS in meetings with external parties, including executive and legislative branches of state government and local government officials.
• Assist the Administrator and Legal Counsel with legislative matter, including the drafting of legislative proposals.
• Communicate administrative policies and procedures and, in coordination with legal counsel, provide recommendations and analysis with respect to the plan benefit questions requiring legal interpretations of statutes to internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate the review, updating and implementation of all statutes, forms, benefit summaries and all documents that directly impact the Systems daily operations and those of the System’s network of employers and local boards.
• In conjunction with the System’s Internal Auditor and Compliance Officer, assist with internal control procedures to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations and the System’s internal governance and policy documents as they relate to the System’s daily operations.
• To the extent that assigned duties entail the direct supervision of staff, conduct regular performance evaluations and discharge other personnel-related duties in a timely and professional manner and, as appropriate, provide input to the Administrator with respect to the review and evaluation of directors, managers and staff of each business unit.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing through the organization’s operational business processes and systems by facilitating teambuilding across business units, systems and with external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Assist in the creation of appropriate performance metrics, reporting and improvement targets for the strategic plan while educating, coaching and mentoring staff on process improvement standards, tools and applications to improve results for our members and communities.
• Review, monitor and make appropriate recommendations for any new, or changes to existing policy, process or procedure to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization.
• As designated by the Administrator, serve as primary or secondary contact and liaison with respect to, but not limited to, the following groups: Participating employers, their respective Local Boards and appropriate staff; New employers interested in membership in the Plans; Contracted actuaries, auditors, government affairs, public relations and other consultants; State Legislature and staff; Membership organizations.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned, including any special projects as requested or directed by the Board of Trustees or Administrator.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year
• Accrual of sick and annual leave
• Affordable medical benefits
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement Plan (after 6 months of employment)
• Optional participation in a 457 deferred compensation program
• Employer matching on employee deferrals in the 457 plan (limited to a matching of 6% of salary on a per pay period basis)
• Paid Parental Leave program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive