Retirement Plan Specialist

Position Summary

The Retirement Plan Specialist is a key member of the Retirement Solutions team working with assigned FPW advisors in the delivery and ongoing management of employer-sponsored retirement plans including 401(k) 403(b) cash balance and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. This role is responsible for coordinating the operational and administrative functions of the retirement plan practice including onboarding new clients scheduling and preparing for plan review meetings and developing materials for client and prospective client presentations and supporting participant education efforts. This may include presenting group participant education sessions and meeting with participants one-on-one when needed.

The Specialist serves as a point of contact for plan sponsors and participants ensuring the efficient execution and overall success of the retirement plan business through strong organization sound judgment and attention to detail.

Focus provides team members the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule. Our hybrid model is defined as 3 days in office work required per week while giving team members the option to work remotely 2 day per week or as assigned by their team leader.

Primary Responsibilities

Process Client Requests

• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries and issues providing exceptional service and ensuring a positive experience for plan sponsors and plan participants
• Exercises discretion in resolving client issues and determining appropriate course of action
• Assist plan participants when needed with their requests for distributions hardship withdrawals loans and enrollment and related service requests
• Assist plan sponsors and plan participants with accessing and navigating retirement plan portals online tools and mobile applications as well as providing guidance on system usage and features
• Act as the liaison between service providers: TPAs recordkeepers CPAs
• Oversee service provider selection and RFP process including analysis and recommendations
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Operations and Compliance as needed to support client needs and maintain service quality

Coordinate Client Meetings

• Schedule client committee meetings and prepare reports and materials in advance of the meetings
• Schedule group participant education sessions and individual participant meetings when needed
• Direct annual service schedule - track and monitor that all service is provided to each client each year

Maintain Client Information and Files

• Utilize RPAG and other tools to facilitate the quarterly review and reporting processes
• Maintain physical and digital client files according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate client information in the CRM including detailed records of client interactions inquiries and resolutions

Business Development Support

• Support advisors with business development efforts including drafting RPF responses and creating proposals
• Independently evaluates plan design fees and provider performance and makes recommendations to advisors and clients
• Develop knowledge of recordkeeper partners to make recommendations
• Coordinate the onboarding process of new plans with the plan sponsor and recordkeeper attending weekly calls influencing plan design decisions and ensuring the conversion is kept on track

Leadership

• Actively mentor and contribute to the development of less experienced team members
• Lead by example through professionalism accountability and collaboration
• Make connections with people motivating and inspiring them to achieve results
• Participate in projects and initiatives that strengthen the firm team and culture
• Recommend changes to procedures that improve efficiency and client satisfaction

Other

• Promote and adhere to the workplace values of Focus. We are resourceful thinkersresponsive to the needs of clients team members and communities andimaginativein spirit in the solutions we deliver. We value Service Teamwork Excellence Integrity and Execution.
• Maintain compliance with firm policies and procedures and with applicable regulatory requirements including those of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the retirement plan practice

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Bachelors degree required equivalent relevant experience may be considered
• Series 65 within 120 days of hire
• Industry Credentials are required or strongly preferred (e.g. QKA QPA CRPS CPFA etc.) or the willingness to obtain them

Experience

• Proven experience in a client support role within the financial services industry with a focus on retirement plan services preferred
• Experience with a recordkeeper TPA or investment advisor (or equivalent specializing) in defined contribution plans is required
• Experience supporting participant education meetings plan review preparation and retirement plan onboarding processes is preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans is required
• Familiarity with ERISA IRS and DOL Guidelines is required
• Understanding investment basics - asset classes share classes fund expenses etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally
• Ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships with plan sponsors participants and internal teams
• Team player mindset with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with internal departments
• Strong problem-solving analytical organizational and time management skills
• High attention to detail accuracy and follow-through
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced evolving environment
• Ability to effectively plan and organize tasks activities and projects and prioritize effectively
• Demonstrated self-discipline sound judgment and motivation to complete assigned responsibilities independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel Word PowerPoint and Outlook
• Salesforce CRM knowledge helpful

This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $80000 - $88000 per year base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience subject matter expertise geographic location where work will be performed and the applicants skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical dental vision life insurance and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidates experience and education.

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About Focus Financial Partners

Focus Partners Wealth is an organization of wealth asset and business management resources that brings strength innovation and partnership to client relationships. Through a comprehensive range of services Focus Partners Wealth supports clients at every stage of life helping them manage their financial future. With over $180 billion in regulatory assets under management Focus Partners Wealth uses research-backed investment strategies to create custom-built portfolios and delivers personalized wealth planning solutions to clients in all 50 states. Focus Partners Wealth is part of Focus Financial Partners a leading financial services firm comprised of wealth management family office and business management services. To learn more about Focus Partners Wealth or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidates skillset and without regard to an employee or candidates race color religion sex (including pregnancy) gender identity sexual orientation national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local state and/or federal law.

Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment please contact .

For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.

For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here

For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

For Montana Applicants: If hired the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section.

For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the states workers compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.