Retirement Manager

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

3d • $96,024 - $123,267

About The Position

The Retirement Manager supports Aspire Public Schools by managing reporting for retirement and health and welfare programs in accordance with the organization’s objectives, standards, and procedures. The role requires knowledge of qualified defined contribution retirement and savings plans and defined benefit and pension plans. Responsibilities include 403(b) compliance reporting, CalPERS and CalSTRS reporting, and benefit plan reconciliations.

The Retirement Manager resolves escalated retirement issues, supports governmental filings, assists the Controller and/or CFO with retirement solutions and strategies, and provides payroll support during peak processing periods, such as the beginning and end of the year. The role also oversees retirement-related audits, plan administration and compliance, and communications with plan administrators and vendors.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The work location and in-person expectations are still being finalized. Aspire NorCal expects to provide Finance, Accounting, Payroll, and Retirement services to Aspire LA under a multi-year service agreement; the department’s size and positions may be affected if that agreement is not finalized, renewed, or continues. Employment is at-will.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or a closely related field, with benefits administration coursework or training.
• At least 5 years of analytical or human resources/benefits experience.
• At least 2 years of US pension plan administration experience in a large organization or through consulting.
• Direct experience with CalPERS and CalSTRS.
• Vendor management experience.
• Knowledge of third-party recordkeeping and benefits administration, including reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability and balanced judgment; ability to work with large databases and provide meaningful analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to analyze benefits programs using metrics.
• Influence and partnering skills across HR, Finance, and Payroll.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Retirement benefits administration experience is desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of CalPERS and CalSTRS and their regulations, and a general understanding of defined benefit plan funding and reporting requirements.
• Administer day-to-day retirement and benefit plans, including contribution funding, data analysis, reporting, and research; maintain plan documents and summary plan descriptions.
• Administer qualified and non-qualified plans, including the defined benefit pension plan, 403(b) plan, defined contribution profit sharing plan, and other non-qualified plans, ensuring compliance with government regulations and plan provisions.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA and applicable federal, state, and local laws; review and analyze changes to laws pertaining to retirement benefits.
• Review defined benefit calculations and payments for accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee, manage, and complete retirement-related audits (CalSTRS, CalPERS, and 403(b)) in collaboration with Accounting, Finance, and HR.
• Serve as the Retirement Service Level Agreement between Aspire NorCal and Aspire LA.
• Advise on correct retirement plan placement (CalSTRS versus CalPERS) for roles based on job description evaluations.
• Oversee an internal Investment Committee and serve as liaison between the committee and the retirement plan administrator.
• Respond to retirement-related tickets, questions, and inquiries in a timely, customer-focused manner, and communicate with external plan administrators.
• Work with HR and vendors to ensure accurate, timely submission of Form 5500 and other regulatory filings.
• Provide payroll support during peak processing periods.
• Support Aspire Public Schools’ mission, vision, and values, including antiracism, and uphold confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible for Aspire health benefits.
• Retirement through CalSTRS or CalPERS, depending on the role's credential requirements, with a 403(b) option.
• Paid time off.
• Additional teammate benefits to be determined in accordance with an updated employee value proposition, to be shared prior to offer.

What This Job Offers

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