Director, ESOP Administration
About The Position
Where Leadership Meets Purpose-Driven Impact Use your technical ESOP expertise and leadership skills to help companies empower employees toward financial independence. At Blue Ridge Associates, we don’t just administer retirement plans — we help people build lasting financial security. Through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and 401(k) services, we support companies that believe in sharing success with their people. As one of the top ESOP administration firms in the country, we serve a wide range of businesses committed to helping their employees thrive. Whether remote or based in one of our seven offices across the country, our team works together with a shared mission: to make it easy for plan sponsors and professionals to provide wealth-building benefits to business owners and their employees. About Blue Ridge Associates We are a professional services firm providing third-party retirement plan administration services to companies that sponsor ESOPs, 401(k), and other qualified retirement plans. Our offices are located in Charlottesville, VA; Columbia, MD; Columbus, OH; Westchester, IL; Pasadena, CA; and Maple Grove, MN — and our client base spans the country. We’re one of the top two firms in the U.S. providing ESOP recordkeeping and administration services, and we continue to grow our services in defined contribution, defined benefit, and cash balance plans. That’s Where You Come in as Director, ESOP Administration We are seeking a Director of ESOP Administration to oversee the administration of complex ESOPs and manage high-performing teams. This strategic role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership and a client-first mindset. You’ll guide internal teams, ensure compliance and service excellence, and serve as a consultative partner to clients navigating sophisticated ESOP needs.
Requirements
- In-depth knowledge of ESOP rules, regulations, and compliance requirements, including experience with complex areas such as 409(p) testing, prohibited transactions, and Section 1042 restrictions
- Proven ability to lead and mentor a team, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development
- Ability to articulate complex issues in simple terms and take a consultative approach to advising clients on ESOP-related matters
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong, lasting client relationships
- Ability to identify areas for process improvement and implement operational efficiencies
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex issues clearly
- Actively participate in industry groups and represent Blue Ridge as a thought leader in the ESOP space
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in a related field (e.g., Business, Finance, or Law)
- At least 10+ years of experience in ESOP plan administration or a related field, with a strong track record of managing complex ESOPs and regulatory compliance
- Experience leading and managing teams, mentoring staff, and contributing to business development is preferred
- Certifications: QKA, QPA, or similar certification preferred
- Strong history of delivering excellent client service and developing long-term client relationships
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ESOP-specific tools or platforms (e.g., ESOP Connection, ESOP Governance)
Responsibilities
- Oversee the administration of complex ESOPs, ensuring accuracy in allocations, compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., 409(p), Section 1042), and timely completion of deliverables
- Supervise a team of administrative consultants and/or ESOP Managers, ensuring a minimal error rate and high client satisfaction
- Serve as the escalation point for difficult plan administration and compliance issues, offering consultative support for both staff and clients
- Provide consultative services to clients on ESOP regulations, including prohibited transactions, plan terminations, and 415 failures
- Build strong, proactive relationships with clients; review team deliverables to ensure compliance
- Support clients with plan amendments, transactions, and regulatory filings
- Mentor and train team members, helping them grow professionally and achieve certifications (QKA, QPA, etc.)
- Provide feedback and participate in formal performance evaluations
- Promote a collaborative and supportive team environment
- Identify and lead initiatives to improve administration processes and operational efficiencies
- Contribute to the development of ESOP best practices
- Evaluate opportunities to leverage tools and technologies (e.g., ESOP Connection, ESOP Governance) to improve client outcomes
- Participate in strategic planning and performance evaluation meetings
- Review and approve client deliverables to ensure quality and timeliness
- Assist with issue resolution, special projects, and internal collaboration across departments
Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
- 401(k) with company match + HSA with company contribution
- Generous paid time off, including parental leave and holidays
- Education and professional development assistance (certifications, dues)
- Fully remote work option or access to one of our office locations (VA, MD, IL, CA, MN, OH)
- Monthly birthday celebrations
- Quarterly virtual happy hours
- Annual social gatherings
- Volunteer and fundraising events
- Employee-led committees and special projects
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
