Pension Plan Manager

Who we are
The ILWU-PMA Benefit Plans administers Pension and Welfare Plan benefits for West Coast active and retired ILWU longshore workers, their dependents and survivors.

What you will do (full time in office, no remote or hybrid schedule)
We are seeking an experienced Pension Plan Manager to administer two multi-employer defined benefit plans. The Pension Plan Manager will manage the day-to-day operations to include management of the staff who support the administration of the plans, in accordance with their respective Trust Agreements and Pension Plan Agreements adopted by the Trustees. The ideal candidate will excel at supporting, training, and motivating staff; managing plan administration and compliance; and facilitating efficient and effective communication within an organization. This position is located in San Francisco, CA and reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Functions & Major Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply the provisions and amendments of the Trust and Plan documents: Make eligibility determinations in accordance with the rules of the Plan and provide final approval for pension calculations and death benefits.
  
• Manage Pension Department Workflow: Oversee daily workflow across all pension-related functions for two pension plans and lead a staff of 12.
  
• Pension Application Processing: Ensure pension applications are reviewed, approved, and accurately entered into the Payroll System within established deadlines.
  
• Participant Correspondence: Review and draft correspondence related to participants’ benefits, including notifications of ineligibility or benefit denial. Draft communications material to be posted on the website for participants. Pension Plan website content manager.
  
• Qualified Domestic Related Order (QDRO) Administration: Oversee QDRO administration function and work closely with outside counsel.
  
• Regulatory and Compliance: Ensure timely completion and submission of Form 5500s, FASB Notices, Annual Funding Notices, PBGC Filings, Valuations, etc. Oversee the accurate and timely distribution of Summary of Material Modifications, Annual Notice to Pensioners of IRS Withholding, Annual Notice of Minimum Required Distribution, notices to Separated Vested participants and ongoing tracking and outreach to potentially missing participants. Stay up-to-date on regulatory changes and work with Executive Director as needed to update policies and procedures.
  
• Claims and Appeals Management: Review and prepare correspondence related to claim denials, appeals and arbitrations to participants and the Board of Trustees. Review difficult or complex inquiries or escalated customer service issues that cannot be routinely handled by the staff.
  
• Pension Payroll Oversight: Lead a team of two Assistant Pension Payroll Managers and monthly pension payroll processing and reporting. Ensuring proper disbursement of monthly pension payments to approximately 9,000 pensioners and survivors.
  
• Actuarial Requests: Request withdrawal liability calculations from the Plan’s actuary as needed.
  
• Contribution Monitoring: Ensure annual employee contribution records are complete, accurate, and maintained in the Plan Office.
  
• Plan and Contract Implementation: Implement pension-related changes resulting from collective bargaining agreements. Communicate with benefits administration system vendor concerning system functionality problems and system modifications.
  
• Procedure & Form Maintenance: Ensure departmental procedures and forms are accurate, up to date, compliant and adhered to.
  
• Subpoenas: Respond timely to Subpoenas served on the Pension Plan.
  
• Board of Trustees Meetings: Prepare reports for the Board regarding Pension Department and present at quarterly meetings, if needed.
  

What you will bring

• Knowledge of multiemployer (Taft-Hartley) defined benefit pension plans.
  
• Ability to interpret and apply Plan Documents, Trust Agreements, Summary Plan Descriptions.
  
• Working knowledge of ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, DOL and other regulations governing multiemployer pension plans.
  
• Ability to draft clear, professional and compliant written correspondence related to benefit determinations, eligibility notifications, and claims denials.
  
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex pension concepts to participants, retirees, trustees, union representatives, external partners and internal staff.
  
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment in resolving complex or non-routine pension issues.
  
• Experience in management of collectively bargained benefit environments highly valued.
  
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
  
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in order to meet deadlines.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) experience with benefits administration software preferred.
  

What we can offer you

• Annual salary range $150,000 to $180,000
  
• Employer paid medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits for employees and eligible dependents (HMO or PPO)
  
• Employer funded Pension Plan
  
• 401(k) Plan with employer contribution
  
• Short term and long-term disability coverage
  
• Parental leave
  
• Generous vacation, sick days and 14 holidays
  
• Transportation reimbursement benefit
  

Applications for this position must include cover letter; those without a cover letter will not be accepted. No phone calls please.

Email resumes to: [email protected]

ILWU-PMA Benefit Plans Office is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Website: https://www.benefitplans.org/