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Deputy Retirement Administrator

PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR IV

Recruitment #26-005485-0013

Introduction



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. 

GRADE

Grade STD 0026

LOCATION OF POSITION

120 East Baltimore Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

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.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties include but not limited to:
● 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  Bachelor's Degree 
Experience: Six years of experience with administrative or professional work and three years of supervisory experience

Note: Additional experience may substitute year-for-year for the degree requirement

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications:

·   11) Three years of professional experience in benefits administration or retirement system management

·    2) Two years of experience with customer service

·    3) Two years of experience with reconciliations

·    4) Two years of experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements

·    5) High level understanding of pension law, regulations, and tax law

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A resume and cover letter are required to be uploaded with your application as well as an official transcript. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum, selective and preferred qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. 

 

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year or be placed on a register for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select candidates for interviews in-person or virtually. 

 

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.

 

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background and credit check.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position

You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. 

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

This position is exempt from Bargaining.

BENEFITS

Link to STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS 

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including, health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

· Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

· Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

· Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year. 

· Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year. 

· Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.

· Position is eligible for teleworking.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:

 

Maryland State Retirement and Pension Systems

Human Resources Section

120 E. Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

Email Nick Pindale at npindale@sra.state.md.us


PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION 

 

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies. 

 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. 

 

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. 

 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

 

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.




Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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