Employer Support Services Manager

Are you a collaborative service-minded leader who finds purpose in helping others succeed Are you excited by opportunity to lead a talented and caring team that ensures thousands of employers across Washington deliver accurate and timely retirement information to their employees And would you thrive in a role where flexibility trust and respect make it possible for you to do meaningful work and have work-life balance If so the Employer Support Services Manager role at the department of Retirement Systems could be the perfect next step in your career!

This recruitment will remain open until filled.Applicants who apply before Wednesday November 12 at 8 AM PST will get first consideration.The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.

The Opportunity:
We are looking for an outstanding supportive and engaged leader to fill our Employer Support Services Manager position. The Employer Support Services unit is responsible for providing support and assistance to the over 1400 employers who report retirement information to the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) on behalf of their employees. The unit also administers the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) program for all state and local governments throughout Washington State.

This position leads and oversees the activities of a high-performing fully-remote team that is the primary service link for employers who report information for the eight retirement systems 15 retirement plans and the Deferred Compensation Program administered by DRS. It also administers and oversees the OASI program for over 1300 employers ensuring the authorization and maintenance of Section 218 agreements for participating employers.

Some of what youll do includes:

• Directing all aspects of employer support functions and activities including developing and delivering accurate timely and effective training information consultation and support for employers.
• Serving as the key advisor to the Assistant Director Administrative Services Division on all matters concerning the employer community.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with the employer community stakeholders and employers payroll and HR staff.
• Enhancing the effectiveness of team members through setting performance expectations timely performance appraisal and professional development opportunities.
• Overseeing the creation and publication of Employer Notices and information.
• Overseeing the conduct of referenda on OASI coverage for individuals and managing the yearly billing of employers for program costs.
• Facilitating and ensuring ongoing and effective communication and interaction with the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service.

What were looking for (required qualifications):
Experience can be gained through various combinations of professional employment and volunteer/personal experience. Experience may be concurrent.

• Proven experience providing supportive and engaged leadership for a high-performing full remote team including setting goals and expectations providing effective direction and feedback promptly addressing issues and conducting timely performance appraisals. Experience is typically gained through a minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience.
• Proven ability to communicate user requirements and plan for future business functions and technological needs.
• Demonstrated analytical problem solving decision making and consultative skills.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in developing and implementing complex training plans within a large geographical area and with a diversity of audiences.
• Ability to interpret and implement continuous quality improvement in all areas managed.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint (version 2016 or newer); and
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Communication
Effective conveys information in writing and through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Leading Others
Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching development motivation recognition and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations delegates work appropriately and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the teams performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful.

Coaching and Mentoring
Counsels and guides employees to use their talents and achieve their best. Provides information instruction feedback suggestions recognition and encouragement to maximize success on the job. Models successful behaviors including work ethic and ethical standards.

Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization. Develops and maintains effective working relationships that encourage and support collaboration knowledge sharing communication and teamwork. Engages and inspires others; treats people with courtesy sensitivity and respect exemplifying professionalism tact and empathy.

Judgment
Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis experience and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts opinions and other relevant information.

Managing Change
Understands the need for change and helps plan for and accommodate it as positively as possible. Is flexible and open to new ideas and encourages others. Assesses people and the organization for readiness prior to implementation and evaluates behavior changes and employee reactions following implementation.

Analysis
Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues evaluate options form accurate conclusions and make recommendations/decisions.

Be sure to read this entire section We promise itll be helpful!

How to Apply:Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply.

• To help us best understand your qualifications for this role we encourage you to attach the following to your online application:
  1. A cover letterclearlydescribing how your knowledge skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
  2. A chronological resumeoutlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.
• Be sure to complete all sectionsof the on-line applicationand answer all supplemental questions.The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say see resume/attachment will not be considered.Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References Personnel File Review and Background Checks

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are a current or recent state employee we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information please visit.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Why Work for DRSAt DRS we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems 15 retirement plans and the Deferred Compensation Program and we serve over 930000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters teachers and school employees state and local government employees and public safety and law enforcement officers.

Regardless of what our specific duties may be we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information tools expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching mentoring resources and support that team members need to be successful.

DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System; health dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program. Also as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.(See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information).

Other perks include:

• Flexible work schedules
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Free Parking & and EV Chargers available