State Program Administrator Manager - Member Services & Counseling Manager
Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
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Job summary
The Teachers Retirement Association in Saint Paul, Minnesota seeks a Member Services & Counseling Manager to provide strategic direction for pension operations within the Member Services and Counseling departments. You will train, engage, and develop staff, and serve on Management Teams to align goals with TRA’s mission.
The role requires leadership, strong communication, and advanced analytical skills, with in‑person work 50–75% and up to 35% travel to support satellite offices and back‑ups.
Qualifications
- Five years of progressive work experience in employee benefits, government benefits, accounting, payroll, finance, or insurance.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.
- Experience leading teams and managing major enterprise projects.
Responsibilities
- Oversee pension operations within TRA’s Member Services and Counseling departments.
- Provide strategic direction, training, and staff development; supervise management-level employees.
- Participate in Management Teams to align pension goals with TRA’s mission.
- Lead or co-lead projects supporting TRA’s strategic plan.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Education Verification
- Job ID: 97775
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 10/16/2026
- Closing Date: 11/05/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / TRA-Managerial
- Division/Unit: TRA Operations / Pension Administration
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up To 35%
- Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with strong leadership, communication, analytical, and mathematical skills to serve as TRA’s Member Services & Counseling Manager.
Our Member Services & Counseling Manager position has the responsibility to oversee and provide strategic direction for our pension operations within TRA’s Member Services and Counseling departments. The incumbent will act to create plans to successfully train, engage, and develop operations for staff which includes management and supervisory‑level employees. The incumbent will further serve on our Management Teams to ensure pension operation goals, activities, and outcomes align with our organization’s overall mission and objectives. Additionally, this position will participate in or spearhead projects that support TRA’s strategic plan.
This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes regular in‑person work, up to 50 – 75% of the time in order to perform the essential functions. Additionally, business travel will be required for this role, up to 35% of the time, in order to support TRA’s satellite offices, as well as to provide back‑up assistance to other leaders.
Five (5) years of progressive work experience administrating employee benefits, government benefits, accounting, payroll, finance, and/or insurance.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Math, or a closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- Leadership responsibility requiring the supervision/leadwork of staff and/or management of major enterprise projects involving multiple participants and stakeholders.
- Exceptional critical thinking and creativity skills, which can be used to effectively conceptualize innovative methods for educating audiences about retirement topics, as well as to analyze data to improve customer experience and stakeholder partnerships.
- Experience implementing and managing successful customer service and customer education strategies.
- Exceptional planning and organization skills in order to successfully manage competing priorities, deadlines, and employee/call center schedules.
- Advanced experience performing and auditing complex calculations.
- Advanced experience in successfully presenting, explaining, and training on complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
- Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; or equivalent software packages.
- Strong interpersonal, written communication skills, and verbal communication skills, necessary to collaborate on enterprise project and initiatives; communicate information about sensitive topics; influence others to resolve conflicting viewpoints; motivate, coach, and/or provide constructive feedback to employees; and champion a work culture that advocates for inclusion.
Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for in‑state business travel and/or conferences.
- An Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Math, or a closely related field.
- Experience managing multiple departments simultaneously.
- Experience managing and developing supervisory staff.
- Experience working for financial or retirement services organizations.
- Supervisory or management experience.
This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
** Successful candidates must pass past‑employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **
It Is The Policy Of TRA That All Finalist(s) Submit To a Background Check Prior To Employment. The Background Check May Consist Of The Following Components
- State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
- Criminal History Check
- Employee Reference Check
- Social Security and Address Verification
- Education Verification
- Driver's License Check
If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location.
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
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