Retirement Benefits Specialist - Human Resources

Retirement Benefits Analyst

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly proficient Retirement Benefits Specialist to join our team. The Retirement Benefits Specialist will be pivotal in supporting the administration of our retirement benefits programs, ensuring they remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with our organizational objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of retirement plans, including 401(k), pension, and other defined contribution and defined benefit plans, along with a strong grasp of health and welfare benefit plans and associated regulatory compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Retirement Plan Administration:

• Manage day-to-day operations of retirement plans, including enrollment, contributions, distributions, and participant communications.

• Cultivates partnerships with internal partners, retirement plan vendors, trustees, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate and efficient plan administration.

• Participate in monitoring the performance and financial health of retirement plans, analyzing key metrics such as participation rates and contribution levels.

• Research best practices for retirement plan governance and make recommendations for updates to oversight, plan documentation and compliance monitoring.

• Responsible for periodic and year-end reconciliation of plan information.

Compliance Management:

• Maintain industry knowledge of all relevant laws, regulations, and compliance standards related to retirement plans, including ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations.

• Prepare and submit annual compliance activities such as Form 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, Summary Annual Reports (SARs), and participant disclosures.

• Identify risks associated with benefits administration, including legal and financial risks, through proactive monitoring and compliance measures.

• Workers Compensation administration and OSHA reporting.

Plan Design and Process Improvement:

• Participate in assessment of the organization's current retirement benefits offerings and submit recommendations for enhancement or redesign.

• Analyze retirement plan options to ensure alignment with employee needs, organizational objectives, and regulatory requirements.

• Assist with the design and implementation of process improvements to streamline retirement plan administration and compliance processes.

Associate Education and Communication:

• Serve as a point of contact for benefit programs, responding to associate inquiries and providing guidance on retirement planning and financial wellness.

• Develop and deliver retirement planning education programs, workshops, and materials to help employees understand their retirement benefits, investment options, and savings strategies.

• Provide benefits onboarding support (review benefits offerings, requirements and enrollment support) for new members of the Board of Directors.

• Participate in benefits portion of New Hire Orientation sessions.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize retirement plan recordkeeping systems and data analytics tools to analyze participant demographics, contribution patterns, investment behavior, and retirement readiness metrics.

• Prepare regular reports and presentations for management review, providing insights into retirement plan utilization, effectiveness, and areas for improvement.

• Conduct in-depth analyses of retirement plan costs, fees, and expenses to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.

• Payroll and Plan auditing

• Compensation assistance as relates to impacts to benefit plans

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties may be modified or added based on organizational needs and the evolving nature of the role.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in benefits administration, with a focus on retirement plans.

• Proficiency in retirement plan regulations, including ERISA, IRS, and DOL requirements.

• Experience working with retirement plan vendors, trustees, and third-party administrators.

• Excellent Excel, analytical, and critical thinking skills and attention to detail.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Certified Associate Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) designation preferred.

Benefits:

Your Benefits Start Day 1! At National Life, we respect your individuality and all you bring to the table. Each of us arrive with many qualities and skills that make us unique and important to the organization. That's why we've designed a comprehensive benefits package that is multifaceted with the ability to be flexible and customizable to your and your family's specific needs. Check out the Benefits Guide.

The base compensation range represents the low and high end of the range for this position. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to qualifications, skills, competencies, location, and experience. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual bonus, quarterly bonuses, commissions, and other long-term incentive compensation, depending on the position. National Life offers a competitive total rewards package which includes: a 401(k) retirement plan match; medical, dental, and vision insurance; a company funded wellness account for director and below employees; 10 paid holidays; a generous paid time off plan (22 days of combined time-off for non-exempt employees and exempt employees have discretion in managing their time, including scheduling time off in the normal course of business, but in no event will exempt employees receive less sick time than required by state or local law); 6 weeks of paid parental leave; and 6 weeks of paid family leave after a year of full-time employment. National Life is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis and the role remains open until filled. National Life Group is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT - founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, TX - chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company. All other entities are independent of the companies of National Life Group. National Life Group 1 National Life Dr Montpelier, VT 05604 Social Media Policy Site Disclosure and Privacy Policy