Deputy Retirement Administrator

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) administers benefits for over 430,000 members, including active employees, retirees, and vested participants across 12 retirement systems—supporting the financial security of Maryland’s public servants. Located in Baltimore’s Central Business District, MSRPS offers a purpose-driven workplace with modern amenities, including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site café. Employees enjoy comprehensive state benefits including; medical, dental, prescription coverage, generous paid leave, participation in the state pension system, and supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more). Additional perks include an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, 24/7 building security, on-site parking and easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways. If you're seeking a career with impact, stability, and a supportive environment, explore opportunities with MSRPS. Under the supervision of the Retirement Administrator, the responsibilities of this senior level management position include assisting in and executing the overall management, planning, and policy development of the Benefits Administration Division (Division) of the Maryland State Retirement Agency (Agency). In this role, the Deputy Retirement Administrator assigns priorities and allocates manpower, funds, space, and equipment to meet the needs of the Division. The position requires a highly motivated individual with an expert knowledge of pension laws; pension tax requirements; a broad technical knowledge of automated information system processing requirements and operations; strong accounting, budgeting, analytical and research skills; as well as highly developed oral and written communication skills. The Division is responsible for administering death, disability, and retirement benefits for more than 430,000 participants of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (System) in accordance with all state and federal laws. This includes approximately 208,000 active members, 177,000 retirees and beneficiaries, and 45,000 vested former members. The Division is staffed by more than 80 employees with an annual budget of $7 million. Each year the Division is responsible for collecting $1 billion in member contributions which help fund the System, and disbursing $5 billion worth of death, disability, and retirement benefit payments. Responsibilities include providing leadership and assistance in the management of the Units (Benefits Processing, Data Control, and Special Projects) within the Division, providing general supervision of the Directors, developing an expert level knowledge of the state and federal laws relevant to the proper administration of the System, developing best practices to accomplish the goals and mission of the Division and the Agency, researching and drafting legislation, and representing the Retirement Administrator at Board of Trustee meetings, Committee meetings, legislative hearings, public presentations and other high level meetings. This position is one of two Deputy Retirement Administrator positions that will focus and coordinate their efforts on the three Units of this Division; Benefits Processing Unit, Data Control Unit, and Special Projects Unit. This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
Six years of experience with administrative or professional work
Three years of supervisory experience
Expert knowledge of pension laws
Expert knowledge of pension tax requirements
Broad technical knowledge of automated information system processing requirements and operations
Strong accounting skills
Strong budgeting skills
Strong analytical skills
Strong research skills
Highly developed oral communication skills
Highly developed written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Three years of professional experience in benefits administration or retirement system management
Two years of experience with customer service
Two years of experience with reconciliations
Two years of experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements
High level understanding of pension law, regulations, and tax law

Responsibilities

Planning, organizing and directing administrative staff in both long- and short-range goals, objectives, policies and priorities. Also ensures that established goals and priorities are achieved.
Understanding, interpreting, and applying provisions of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the administration of pension and tax laws, regulations, policies and programs.
Participating and/or representing the Benefits Administration Division on major legislative initiatives and budget issues, and other meetings requiring the State Retirement Agency’s representation.
Direction and oversight of special projects including Early Retirement Incentive Programs and Division representative (business sponsor) in the Maryland Pension Administration System+ Project (MPAS+). In addition, compilation and analysis of statistical information required for budgeting, reporting, planning and staffing purposes including those needed by the State’s independent Actuary, Legislators or Trustees.
Directs the planning, administration, and operation of the Benefits Administration Division’s organizational structure with oversight from the Retirement Administrator. This includes: Recruiting, hiring, personnel administrative actions, and discipline for all permanent, temporary and contractual staff, Ensures appropriate staffing levels, Assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate personnel, Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures, Identifies and resolves problems and/or issues.
Plans, organizes and directs administrative activities and programs to ensure compliance with Board of Trustees’ direction and policies and compliance with federal, state and local pension laws.
Ensuring that all member contributions and payroll data received from the state, participating and withdrawn local government employers are reconciled, accurately recorded and properly accounted for in the Annuity Savings Fund on a monthly basis.
Ensure payment of annual individual pension benefit allowances.
Ensuring that all retiree and beneficiary benefit payment vouchers are accurately and properly disbursed, recorded and accounted for timely.
Supports and/or represents the Retirement Administrator who acts on behalf of the Agency on all administrative pension matters in a liaison capacity through frequent contacts with senior Agency management staff, Board of Trustee members, State, Federal and local government appointed and elected officials, and members of the General Assembly.
Ensures effective coordination and action on matters between the Benefits Administration Division and other elements of the Agency, State, Federal and local government entities.
Supports and/or represents the Retirement Administrator who serves as a principal consultant on benefit issues to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director and other principal division managers; as well as other organizations, including participating and withdrawn governmental units, and third parties with which the Agency exchanges information.
Other duties as assigned.