Retirement Administrator & Benefits Analyst

About PMA

Put your experience and talents to work in a role with a unique company - the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). PMA is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that serves as a multi-employer collective bargaining agent for approximately 75 shipping lines, stevedore companies and marine terminal operators in California, Oregon and Washington ports. West Coast port operations (including non-containerized cargo such as bulk and autos) now support 9 million U.S. jobs and contribute 12.5 percent of the U.S. GDP.

PMA's primary purpose is to negotiate and administer labor contracts with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union on behalf of the Association's member companies, as well as administrating payroll and certain benefits. Our headquarters and administrative office is located in San Francisco, California, with area offices in Southern California (Long Beach and satellite offices in San Diego and Port Hueneme) and the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon and Seattle and Tacoma, Washington) in addition to Northern California (Oakland).

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director ILWU-PMA Contract Benefits, the Benefits Administrator position has primary responsibility for the internal administration of the ILWU-PMA Savings (401(k)) Plan; and, in collaboration with the Senior Benefits Counsel, for ensuring administration complies with plan provisions and legal compliance requirements. The role works closely with the 401(k)-service provider team and assists ILWU-PMA contract benefits staff with other benefit plan administrative tasks. The Benefits Administrator will support the health and welfare plan by resolving issues, analyzing data, supporting compliance and handling full and fair review of healthcare claims.

The role will focus 60% of the time on retirement administration and 40% on health and welfare. The position will perform high-level administration of a large Taft Hartley plan.

This role differs from traditional benefits administration within an HR department. Experience in retirement plan administration for large union plans is required. Preferred candidates will have experience as a benefits analyst in consulting or as an internal analyst supporting Taft-Hartley plans.

JOB DUTIES

401K Administration:

Manage daily volumes of 401(k) Plan transaction administration and serve as primary point of contact for service provider coordination including: oversight of 3rd party record keeper transactions for plan contributions, death and survivor benefits, domestic relations orders (QDRO), records management, participant education and compliance communications, management of plan documents, discrimination testing support, tax filings, annual employer contributions and response to participant inquiries.

Assist with plan documentation including amendments, summary plan descriptions, material modification and changes to vendor agreements.

Serve as a resource to payroll services and the processor of contributions.

Work with the plan auditors, including coordination of required data, providing plan documents, re and responding to questions regarding plan administration.

Coordinate with the plan investment consultant and service provider teams to plan quarterly Investment

Committee meetings; including the preparation, distribution and maintenance of minutes and relevant supporting documentation.

Handle phone calls from the ILWU with questions on their retirement benefits.

Benefits Administration

Resolves benefits issues and helps with general and plan administration.

Assists in the preparation and the review of materials and booklets for the announcement of changes or the addition of benefits to employees.

Research issues related to Full and Fair Reviews (claim appeals); compose a summary and analysis of the appeal with a recommendation for approval or denial based upon the plan terms (including the outlined benefits, limits and exclusions); assist with other benefit related inquiries

Prepare for and participate in Trustees and Benefit Subcommittee meetings, review minutes.

Support the development of bargaining proposals for benefits and analyze; obtain and prepare cost data for proposals.

Review reports and help in analyzing data as requested.

Stays apprised of industry and employment trends as it relates to Taft Hartley administration.

Ensures timely completion and submission of all government-compliance filings and annual reporting requirements.

Works in conjunction with the Benefits Director in the ILWU-PMA benefit plan budget.

Participate in other activities at the discretion of management.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong organizational and project management abilities, with a consistent track record of on-time delivery.

Professional and results-oriented approach, leveraging facts, data, and analysis to drive problem-solving and decision-making.

Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and complex logistics in a fast-paced environment, occasionally requiring evening or weekend work.

Exceptional interpersonal skills and discretion, demonstrating integrity in handling sensitive and confidential matters with diplomacy.

Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring high-quality work through thoroughness and self-monitoring.

Proactive time management and prioritization skills, effectively anticipating and responding to executive needs.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, fostering constructive collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.

Capable of working independently or within a team, with proven ability to engage effectively across all levels of an organization, including management, staff, vendors, and external contacts.

Proficient in document management and database systems, with extensive experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent relevant experience. CEBS certification is a plus.

3-5 years of experience in administering 401(k) retirement savings programs required.

3+ years of experience in health and welfare benefits administration related to Taft-Hartley plans required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

PMA's offices are in the heart of downtown San Francisco's financial district, with easy access to public transportation. The organization fosters a professional and collaborative work environment. This position follows a hybrid work schedule, combining in-office and remote work, with flexibility subject to business needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

PMA offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, which includes:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage through the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan with no employee premiums and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
• A 401(k)-retirement plan with employer matching.
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those in a typical office setting. Sitting and typing at a computer terminal for several hours per day is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPOYER

PMA is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming environment for all employees.