Senior Benefits & Retirement Specialist

Overview

The organization is seeking a Senior Benefits & Retirement Specialist to administer public pension programs, state-mandated retirement reporting, and related compliance processes for charter school clients. This role focuses on accurate and timely processing of retirement reporting for public retirement systems, including CalSTRS, CalPERS, and other state retirement programs. The position also includes employee benefits administration and support.

This position is remote for candidates based in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT and/or WA.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive retirement plan documentation while ensuring compliance with STRS and PERS regulations and reporting requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison for clients with County Offices of Education, CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System), and CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System).
• Respond to escalated STRS and PERS issues by interpreting and applying relevant laws, rules, and policies to resolve reporting discrepancies.
• Audit, process, reconcile, and correct STRS, PERS, and benefit contributions in collaboration with Payroll and Accounting teams to ensure accuracy.
• Enter and update CalPERS contributions in the CalPERS system as applicable.
• Monitor and manage CalSTRS and CROWE audits, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Upload F496 files to SEW, correct errors in Macro text files, and submit required reports to CalSTRS and County Offices of Education.
• Stay updated on compensation limit changes and notify clients accordingly.
• Research STRS membership type for all new hires and ensure accurate enrollment.
• Manage open enrollment processes for clients, including rate updates, employee enrollments, terminations, and plan changes.
• Enter and update new benefit rates and plan information in the system, ensuring accuracy before open enrollment.
• Assist clients and employees with benefits-related inquiries, including eligibility, enrollments, and coverage options.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers to resolve enrollment and billing issues.
• Work closely with Payroll and HR teams to ensure seamless benefits deductions and compliance with benefits regulations.
• Generate reports and maintain records related to benefits and retirement enrollments.
• Provide guidance to Payroll Specialists on benefits deductions and retirement reporting.
• Assist with new hire processing, employee changes, and payroll-related benefits deductions as needed.
• Communicate with clients regarding missing documents, benefit elections, and compliance updates.
• Support the Payroll Team by running reports and assisting with benefits-related payroll entries.
• Conduct training sessions for internal staff on retirement and benefits best practices.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in retirement plan administration, benefits administration, or payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of CalSTRS, CalPERS, and 403(b) retirement plans.
• Experience with employee benefits administration, open enrollment, and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate/advanced level required).
• Ability to analyze data, solve non-routine problems, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with payroll processing systems such as Paycor, ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Frontline, or Paychex is a plus.
• Experience with Sage Intacct / Abila Non-Profit Accounting is a plus.
• Knowledge of non-profit and charter school payroll compliance is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• $34 - $40 an hour (base hourly rate).
• Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• 11 paid company holidays and a winter break from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.
• Company-issued laptop and essential accessories (mouse, keyboard, and monitor).
• Employee Referral Bonus Program (bonus for successful referrals).

Additional Information

The organization may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist the recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.