Benefits Analyst

Introduction

Under the leadership of the Retirement Board, the MWRD Retirement Fund provides retirement and disability benefits to eligible MWRD employees. We are committed to excellent service and the long-term financial stability of the Fund. To support this mission, the Fund is seeking a detail-oriented person, who will contribute to a collaborative team dedicated to serving Fund members.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in mathematics, business, actuarial science, or related fields.
  
• Three to five years of work experience in benefit administration, benefit eligibility interpretation, and comprehension of complex benefit systems.
  
• Relevant experience performing benefit calculations may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis; graduate study may substitute for relevant work experience.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
  

Required Skills

• Ability to understand complex calculations.
  
• Strong attention to detail and comprehension of complex benefit systems.
  
• Competency in both oral and written communication.
  
• Proven customer service skills.
  

Primary Responsibilities

Counseling members and beneficiaries regarding benefit eligibility. Calculate and administer retirement, survivor and disability benefits. Prepare annuity estimates, contribution refunds, repayments, benefit correspondence, and guidance on future benefits.

Major Activities

Pre-Retirement Estimates and Counseling Prepare annuity estimates, apply legislation, determine benefit eligibility, and calculate benefits under reciprocal provisions, and conduct counseling at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District facilities.

Disability Benefits Administer ordinary (non-occupational) and duty disability benefits. Prepare and review disability payrolls, advise employees on disability procedures, verify disability periods, determine benefits eligibility. Determine payment amounts, confirm deductions, and complete system entries and reconciliations as required.

Annuity Counseling, Calculation and Administration Guide members and beneficiaries through the benefit application process. Calculate benefits and deductions, prepare payroll records, document final calculations, and verify annual increases.

Presentations & Communications Inform new members about available benefits and assist with completing Fund forms. Present benefit information at pre-retirement seminars and prepare articles for the Fund newsletter.

Miscellaneous Assist with special projects and other assigned duties. Maintain employee and retiree records, administer QILDROs, and assist with the following: 1099R production, 415 limitation processing, IRS tax levies, legislative benefit analysis, benefit and contribution reconciliations, procedure development, overpayment detection and collection, accounting data maintenance, vendor payments, Trustee elections, testing the pension administration application, and provide backup support to staff.

Application Instructions

Submit the following to Mary Murphy, Operations Manager, via email to [email protected], by Monday, August 31, 2026:

• Current résumé; and
  
• Letter of interest describing why you are an ideal candidate.
  

Selection Process

Candidates will complete an examination assessing applied mathematical skills. High-performing candidates may be invited to interview.

Test Details

• Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
  
• Time: 5:00 p.m.
  
• Location: MWRD Main Office Building, Cafeteria – 5th Floor, 100 E. Erie Street
  
• Candidates should arrive 15 minutes early.
  
• MWRD Police will require a government‑issued ID at the door.
  
• The test duration is up to 90 minutes. Candidates who finish early may leave once their exam is submitted.
  

Compensation, Benefits, and Work Schedule

The Benefits Analyst position offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals who love solving meaningful problems and making a real difference in people’s lives. In addition to a competitive salary, the MWRD Retirement Fund provides a generous benefits package including medical and dental coverage, a pension, term life insurance, deferred compensation (457(b)) plans, and flexible medical, transit, parking, and dependent care accounts. Fund office hours are from 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Work start and end times are set by the Benefits Manager to ensure that the department is properly covered during work hours. This role requires regular in‑office attendance, and new employees will follow the schedule of their assigned trainer. As training progresses, limited flex‑schedule and remote‑work options may be available in accordance with Fund policies and operational needs. While employees begin at an entry pay rate, the Fund follows a well‑structured salary schedule that provides, based on performance, substantial salary growth during the first six years, rewarding strong performance and offering a clear path to advancement.

We thank you for your interest in joining our team!

Job Title: Benefits Analyst
Employer of Position: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Retirement Fund
Location of Position: 111 E. Erie Street, Suite 3010, Chicago, IL
Starting Salary: $81,000 to $87,000 per year
Date Posted: July 22, 2026
Projected Closing Date: Monday, August 31, 2026