Retirement Specialist

The Retirement Specialist will assist employees with understanding the pension plan, 401(k), and retirement process and will provide administrative support for those plans to employees, retirees, and beneficiaries. 

• Explains retirement benefit plan policies, procedures, and legal requirements to employees and beneficiaries. 

• Conducts retirement and benefits-related calculations and analysis.  

• Conducts individual interviews with employees regarding retirement and pension options. 

• Plans and executes retirement gifts and festivities. 

• Acquires and distributes relevant information and documentation to plan participants and beneficiaries. 

• Serves as primary contact for former employees who have retired. 

• Develops and maintains records of participants and beneficiaries including active retirees, vested terminated, lump sum distributions, and deceased participants. 

• Assists in system building for accurate pension record keeping. 

• Assists with streamlining and implementing improved pension processes and procedures to enhance fiscal accuracy, operational efficiency, regulatory/compliance adherence, and data accuracy. 

• Serves as a liaison between 401(k) participants and the plan administrator, handling or facilitating requests for contribution adjustments, and other administrative changes. 

• Coordinates with actuaries, plan administrators, accountants, and other professionals to provide verified and compiled data for administration of benefits. 

• Works extensively with external auditors for annual plan audits. 

• Assists with open enrollment for retiree insurance benefits. 

• Ensures retirement plans are administered in accordance with company, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. 

• Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory changes, trends, and other developments affecting retirement benefits. 

• Processes employee death claims for pension, 401(k) and life insurance. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field or equivalent field experience required. 

• Two years of experience with retirement, insurance benefits, financial planning, or actuarial services required. 

• Understanding of various retirement benefit programs and requirements. 

• Up to date on all related laws, regulations, rules, and company policies and procedures. 

• Knowledge of office management. 

• Extensive employee relations experience 

• Good working relations with coworkers and vendors 

• Excellent written and verbal communication. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to clearly explain retirement plan options in easily understood terms. 

• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and agency interpretations or opinions related to retirement benefits. 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software 

• Critical thinking/problem solving. 

• Well organized. 

• Ability to assist and support others. 

• Project Coordination. 

• Attentive to detail.