Director, Pension Operations

The IAM Benefit Funds (“Funds”), located in Washington, DC, are seeking an experienced Director of Pension Operations (“Director”) to lead and manage all aspects of a defined benefit pension plan and ensure the delivery of timely and high quality services to plan participants. This key role requires a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who can drive initiatives to support the overall business plan. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and analytical skills, extensive knowledge of defined benefit pension plans or similar retirement benefits, and a proven track record of leadership. Initially, this is a full-time, onsite position that demands a highly motivated self-starter who is willing to take ownership of the position and is capable of excelling with minimal direction.

As the Director of Pension Operations, you will lead the Pension Department comprised of over 45 staff, overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. The Director will develop and implement policies, programs, and standards to maintain the highest level of service for our participants. This role requires a visionary leader who can set goals, motivate staff, and collaborate effectively with the Executive Director, Trustees, participants, employers, unions, and professional advisors.

With nearly 600,000 active and retired members, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (the “IAM”) is one of the largest and most diverse labor unions in North America. From Boeing and Lockheed Martin to United Airlines and Harley-Davidson, you will find IAM members across all walks of life. The IAM Benefit Funds are multiemployer benefit plans that were established pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between signatory companies and the IAM, and provide pension, health and 401(k) benefits to approximately 85,000 active members and 100,000 retired members of the IAM. The IAM National Pension Fund (“Pension Fund”) is one of the top five (5) largest multiemployer pension funds in the United States with over $14 billion in assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee the administration of the defined benefit Pension Fund, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of pension benefits while maintaining compliance with ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations. Establish, monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence and accountability.
  
• Provide Strategic Vision and Leadership: Assist the Executive Director in setting and achieving short- and long-term strategic goals. Develop and implement departmental initiatives and budgets to align with organizational objectives.
  
• Empower and Develop Teams: Provide leadership, direction and motivation to the Pension team to ensure high performance. Oversee staff development and training to ensure knowledge of the Pension Fund rules and foster professional growth.
  
• Innovate Policies and Procedures: Establish and monitor operational policies, procedures, standards and service levels for the department to ensure efficiency, accuracy and consistency in service delivery.
  
• Ensure Compliance: Consult with General Counsel and external professionals on compliance matters and stay informed of all plan provisions for the Pension Fund.
  
• Stay Connected and Informed: Network regularly with professional organizations and colleagues to stay updated on new regulations and industry trends. Analyze and evaluate retirement benefit trends and applicable pension legislation to ensure compliance, implement applicable changes and develop recommendations for the Executive Director.
  
• Communicate Effectively: Ensure all plan and policy changes are communicated effectively and consistently to managers, staff, participants, employers, and other stakeholders.
  
• Leverage Technology: Work with IT to ensure the maintenance, updating, and testing of systems and programs to support the Pension department’s recordkeeping, benefit processing, reporting and participant service needs. Collaborate with IT on the development and implementation of new programs and tools.
  

Requirements
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in defined benefit operations or other related senior level retirement plan administration, with at least seven (7) years in a leadership role. Experience working with unionized staff and knowledge of collective bargaining agreements preferred.
  
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., MBA, CEBS, etc.) a plus.
  
• Special Skills or Credentials:
  
  • In-depth knowledge of pension plan regulations, compliance requirements, and industry standards, including ERISA, DOL, IRC, PPA, etc.
    
  • Proven leadership abilities with a track record of effectively managing and developing high-performing teams and driving operational improvements.
    
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data to drive decision-making.
    
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, judgment and work ethic.
    
  • Excellent verbal and written communication with a customer service focus and ability to work well with all levels of the organization.
    
  • Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
    
  • Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, set priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
    
  • Proficiency in pension administration software and Microsoft Office Suite.
    
  • Limited travel may be required for Board or other meetings.
    

To Apply
In addition to a salary of $175,000 – $190,000 commensurate with experience, the Funds offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer paid health plan coverage, a defined benefit plan, a 401(k) plan, life insurance and a paid time off policy. The Funds are an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements to [email protected]. Please include job reference code 0925IAMPDIF in the subject line or with your application.