Pension Manager

Summary
The Chicago & Vicinity Laborers’ District Council Benefit Funds are seeking a Pension Manager to manage the daily operations of the Pension Department. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment where managing several tasks and priorities at the same time are critical to success.
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in defined benefit pension administration or comparable Taft-Hartley industry experience. Commensurate experience will be considered. This is a full-time exempt position that offers excellent health, dental, vision, pension, and the option to participate in a voluntary employee funded 401(k) plan.

Areas of Responsibility
• Supervise the daily operations of the Pension Department with ten (10) staff members consisting of Pension Analysts and Pension Reviewers.
• Maintain compliance with ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations.
• Manage all aspects of the pension application process, including staff workload distribution, timely communications with Plan participants, calculation accuracy, and adherence to Plan rules.
• Assist in managing all aspects of the pension disbursement process, including coordinating disbursement cycles, reconciliations, banking changes, and disbursement controls.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational performance metrics.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality and production standards.
• Manage QDROs and participant appeals, including coordination with Fund Actuaries, Fund Council, and the Board of Trustees.
• Schedule recurring staff meetings and one-on-one coaching to ensure consistency with policies and procedures to foster staff development.
• Collaborate within the department and with other departments to meet organizational goals.
• Interact with participants to address and problem-solve concerns or complex issues.
• Recommend, establish and document new processes, workflows and internal controls to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist with and prepare routine reporting for the Board of Trustees and Management.
• Ensure day-to-day operations adhere to the Funds’ policies and procedures.
• Support Affiliated Union organizations and employers with informational visits, meetings, and initiatives.

Other Areas
• Complete projects as requested.
• Comply with HIPAA, PHI, and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) rules and regulations.
• Comply with the Funds’ technical, security, and privacy standards.
• Continued professional development is required for the employee in this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities
• MS Office Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in virtual meeting tools: Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across all departments within the organization, with plan professionals, Trustees, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks.
• Ability to bring projects to successful completion.

Education/Certification/Experience Requirements
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the Taft-Hartley industry is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory/leadership experience.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000 (annual) commensurate with skills and experience.

EOE