Retirement Plan Specialist

Focus Financial Partners•Chicago, MO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Retirement Plan Specialist is a key member of the Retirement Solutions team, working with assigned FPW advisors in the delivery and ongoing management of employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b), cash balance, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. This role is responsible for coordinating the operational and administrative functions of the retirement plan practice, including onboarding new clients, scheduling and preparing for plan review meetings, and developing materials for client and prospective client presentations, and supporting participant education efforts. This may include presenting group participant education sessions and meeting with participants one-on-one when needed. The Specialist serves as a point of contact for plan sponsors and participants ensuring the efficient execution and overall success of the retirement plan business through strong organization, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, equivalent relevant experience may be considered
Series 65 within 120 days of hire
Industry Credentials are required or strongly preferred (e.g., QKA, QPA, CRPS, CPFA, etc.) or the willingness to obtain them
Proven experience in a client support role within the financial services industry, with a focus on retirement plan services preferred
Experience with a recordkeeper, TPA, or investment advisor (or equivalent specializing) in defined contribution plans is required
Experience supporting participant education meetings, plan review preparation, and retirement plan onboarding processes is preferred
Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans is required
Familiarity with ERISA, IRS and DOL Guidelines is required
Understanding investment basics - asset classes, share classes, fund expenses, etc.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally
Ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships with plan sponsors, participants, and internal teams
Team player mindset with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with internal departments
Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Ability to effectively plan and organize tasks, activities, and projects and prioritize effectively
Demonstrated self-discipline, sound judgment, and motivation to complete assigned responsibilities independently
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Salesforce CRM knowledge helpful

Responsibilities

Process Client Requests: Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries and issues providing exceptional service and ensuring a positive experience for plan sponsors and plan participants. Exercises discretion in resolving client issues and determining appropriate course of action. Assist plan participants, when needed, with their requests for distributions, hardship withdrawals, loans, and enrollment, and related service requests. Assist plan sponsors and plan participants with accessing and navigating retirement plan portals, online tools, and mobile applications as well as providing guidance on system usage and features.
Act as the liaison between service providers: TPAs, recordkeepers, CPAs. Oversee service provider selection and RFP process, including analysis and recommendations. Collaborate with internal teams, such as Operations and Compliance, as needed to support client needs and maintain service quality.
Coordinate Client Meetings: Schedule client committee meetings and prepare reports and materials in advance of the meetings. Schedule group participant education sessions and individual participant meetings, when needed. Direct annual service schedule - track and monitor that all service is provided to each client each year.
Maintain Client Information and Files: Utilize RPAG and other tools to facilitate the quarterly review and reporting processes. Maintain physical and digital client files according to standard operating procedures. Maintain accurate client information in the CRM, including detailed records of client interactions, inquiries, and resolutions.
Business Development Support: Support advisors with business development efforts including drafting RPF responses and creating proposals. Independently evaluates plan design, fees, and provider performance and makes recommendations to advisors and clients. Develop knowledge of recordkeeper partners to make recommendations. Coordinate the onboarding process of new plans with the plan sponsor and recordkeeper, attending weekly calls, influencing plan design decisions and ensuring the conversion is kept on track.
Leadership: Actively mentor and contribute to the development of less experienced team members. Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and collaboration. Make connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve results. Participate in projects and initiatives that strengthen the firm, team, and culture. Recommend changes to procedures that improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
Other: Promote and adhere to the workplace values of Focus. We are resourceful thinkers, responsive to the needs of clients, team members, and communities, and imaginative in spirit in the solutions we deliver. We value Service, Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity and Execution. Maintain compliance with firm policies and procedures and with applicable regulatory requirements, including those of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the retirement plan practice.