Deputy Director of Benefits Administration

About TRS

Since 1917, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS) has been securing better

futures for NYC educators. With a pension fund valued at approximately $120 billion, TRS serves over

215,000 members, providing them with retirement, disability, and death benefit services.

TRS' Qualified Pension Plan (QPP) is a defined benefit plan that provides members with a monthly

retirement allowance upon meeting certain eligibility requirements. TRS members can also enhance their

benefits with a Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program, which offers multiple investment options and tax-deferred earnings.

At TRS, we seek dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to

excellence. We pride ourselves on our member-centric culture, focused on delivering outstanding service

and support to our members.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic Deputy Director of Benefits Administration to oversee daily operations of

Retirements, Terminations, Member Status, and Death Benefits. This role ensures seamless benefits

processing for members and beneficiaries. Reporting to the Director of Benefits Administration, the duties

And Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Benefits Administration department, ensuring efficient processing of Retirements, Terminations, Member Status, and Death Benefits. Monitor workflow and implement improvements to optimize service delivery and enhance member experience.
• Plan and oversee major projects within Benefits Administration, collaborating with IT and other business units to define project scope, objectives, and resource needs.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to align on project goals. Serve as a point of contact for stakeholders regarding benefits administration processes and project updates.
• Facilitate internal meetings to discuss project progress and challenges, and prepare status reports, summarizing milestones and scope changes.
• Ensure all benefits administration processes comply with relevant regulations, policies, and best practices. Stay informed of legislative changes and adjust policies accordingly.
• Supervise and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Evaluate team performance and support career growth.
• Analyze benefits-related data to identify trends and inform future initiatives. Prepare reports for senior management summarizing performance metrics and strategic recommendations.
• Lead organizational change efforts related to benefits administration, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal service disruption. Communicate changes effectively and provide necessary training.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and best practices to enhance efficiency and service quality within the Benefits Administration department.
• Address and resolve any issues in the benefits administration process promptly to minimize service impact.
• Conduct special projects as needed, showcasing adaptability and a proactive approach.
  
  

ADMINISTRATIVE RETIREMENT BENE - 82986

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 12 credits in mathematics, statistics, accounting, and/or actuarial science and four years of satisfactory full-time experience implementing the provisions of a retirement plan involving the use of mathematical, statistical, actuarial or accounting computations, 18 months of which must have been in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity or supervising professionals implementing the provisions of a retirement plan involving the use of mathematical, statistical, actuarial or accounting computations; or
• An associate degree or 60 credits from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 12 credits in mathematics, statistics, accounting and/or actuarial science and six years of satisfactory full-time experience as indicated in “1”; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have 60 credits from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 12 credits in mathematics, statistics, accounting and/or actuarial science and the 18 months of experience in a supervisory, administrative, managerial or executive capacity as described in “1” above.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in benefits administration, or a related field, focusing on managing retirement and member benefits programs in a private or public pension system. - Over 5 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role, demonstrating the ability to effectively lead and develop teams. - Proven experience in managing complex projects from conception to completion, including planning, execution, and evaluation. - Previous involvement in change management initiatives, particularly related to benefits administration or organizational transformation projects. - In-depth understanding of benefits programs, including retirement plans and benefits processing. - Proficiency in analyzing benefits-related data to inform decision making and identify trends. - Ability to develop, implement, and update policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory requirements. - Knowledge of strategies for communicating and training staff on new processes or systems. - Visionary thinking to drive strategic initiatives and align team goals with organizational objectives.
  
  

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.