Deputy Executive Director - Benefits Administration

The Retirement Plan for CTA Employees and the Retiree Health Care Trust (the “Funds”), located in downtown Chicago, are currently seeking a Deputy Executive Director- Benefits Administration. This in-person position will report to the Executive Director and will be responsible for directing the day-to-day administration of retirement benefits and the initial enrollment in health trust benefits for more than 20,000 active and retired participants and beneficiaries.

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position will direct and organize the daily administration of benefits from the Retirement Plan for CTA Employees and the Retiree Health Care Trust and direct the preparation and dissemination of communications relating to pension benefits to active employees and pensioners.

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and oversee benefit staff, including developing and coaching: provide leadership, guidance, and motivation.
• Direct the preparation and dissemination of communications relating pension benefits to employees and pensioners.
• Establish and monitor performance standards related to timeliness and accuracy of benefit payments and customer service metrics.
• Keep abreast of changes dictated by contract, plan policy, laws, and regulations. Translate these changes into concrete procedures to enhance the operation of the Retirement Plan for CTA Employees and the Retiree Health Care Trust.
• Manage and oversee the preparation of monthly Board meeting materials for the Retirement Board of Trustees and the RHCT Board of Trustees.
• Maintain liaison with union officials, CTA departments, attorneys, and various governmental agencies.
• Develop and maintain reports as requested by the Executive Director
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUISITES:

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience demonstrating increased responsibility in benefit plan administration (pension and health care) and compliance is required; minimum of five (5) years of management experience is required. Experience in a collective bargaining environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven “hands-on” managerial style, excellent judgment, and strong work ethic.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with the staff, union, and employers at all levels as well as outside professionals and service providers.
• Highly organized with strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and process and quality improvement skills.
• Working knowledge of current technology and benefits administration systems.
• Ability to act with a high degree of autonomy and to be able to anticipate issues and present alternatives and solutions to the Executive Director.
• Must be knowledgeable of the principles and practices related to the administration retirement plans.
• Required to possess managerial skills and knowledge necessary to effectively administer the activities of the Plan/ Trust office.
• Must quickly become familiar with the provisions of the Retirement Plan and RHCT.
• Required to be knowledgeable of the principles of financial and economic analysis.
• Maintain professional relationships with various levels of authority and outside personnel.