Retirement Specialist

The Retirement Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on Kennedy Kriegers retirement systems and supports the management and operation of the Institutes retirement plans. This role supports Human Resources in ensuring retirement benefits are accessible compliant and effectively managed. The position works closely with retirement brokers and other external vendors to support efficient planning operations and leads communications and tasks related to 401(k) audits and other compliance requirements.

1. Administer the Institute 401K retirement plan in alignment with plan documents ERISA requirements and organizational policies ensuring ongoing compliance and operational integrity.
2. Ensure accurate retirement plan eligibility enrollment and contribution administration by validating eligibility files and partnering with Payroll and Business Solutions to maintain automated ERP rules for contribution limits catch-up eligibility and related compliance requirements.
3. Develop and maintain retirement plan reporting and audit processes to monitor IRS thresholds identify payroll and vendor discrepancies coordinate corrective actions and support accurate compliant plan administration.
4. Partners with the Manager of Benefits and HR leadership to support retirement plan governance by coordinating and actively contributing to committee meetings including providing analysis insights and recommendations to inform strategy and decision-making.
5. Partners with the Benefits team to design and deliver employee-facing communications engagement strategies and educational initiatives supporting financial wellness and Keys to Wellness programs to enhance understanding and engagement with retirement benefits.
6. Lead the end-to-end Form 5500 process and oversee compliance-related filings disclosures and required participant notices ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
7. Monitor and coordinate plan forfeitures with leadership applying timely action and sound judgment to ensure appropriate use in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory standards.
8. Administer the Institutes frozen pension plan in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements including annual valuation processes benefit calculations plan distributions reconciliation activities terminated vested participant lists and employee education and communication.
9. Administer the Student Debt Program including eligibility file feeds validation and reconciliation of employee data and ongoing program analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance. Coordinate vendor payments and funding processes and partner with payroll business solutions and external vendors to resolve discrepancies and maintain data integrity across systems.
10. Deliver and present retirement plan education during New Employee Orientation (NEO) sessions providing clear overviews of plan features eligibility enrollment processes and employee contribution options.
11. Act as a primary point of contact for plan vendors recordkeepers and investment advisors fostering strong partnerships and ensuring effective plan administration and investment oversight.
12. Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to HR and leadership on retirement-related matters supporting broader benefits strategy and continuous process improvement
13. Stay abreast of annual IRS contribution and compensation limits as well as administrative and compliance requirements for retirement plans including 401k 457 and pension plans.

QUALIFICATIONS:
CEBS and/or Certified Plan Sponsor (CPSP) preferred.

Must be able to obtain the CPSP certification within (1) one year of employment.

EDUCATION:
Associates degree in Human resources or related field required
Bachelors degree in human resources or related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
3 years of direct retirement plan administration experience required.
Experience in a high-volume organization supporting a large employee population and substantial retirement plan assets required.
Healthcare industry experience or experience in a similar setting preferred.