Chief Executive Officer

Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 202,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Life Insurance

Long‑Term Disability

Paid time off and holidays

State benefits package

Retirement savings program with state/

Job summary

The Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) seeks a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead IPERS’ mission as fiduciary for the IPERS Trust Fund. This role directs strategy, operations, budget and staff of 104 employees to deliver cost-effective benefits for 423,000+ members.

The CEO reports to the Governor and IPERS Investment Board, requires strong communication, political acumen, and decisive leadership; preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in public administration or

Qualifications

• requires a four-year degree with emphasis in business or public administration.
• five years of full-time progressively responsible management work with a pension system or similar public program.
• knowledge of pension fund administration including financial management, asset management, benefit design and operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and overall leadership for IPERS, including planning and execution of policies, programs and budget.
• Lead IPERS staff (≈104 employees) and ensure delivery of cost-effective retirement benefits for members.
• Represent IPERS in relationship with the Governor, the IPERS Investment Board and Benefits Advisory Committee.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration

J.D./MBA/MPA preferred

Job description

Posting for Chief Executive Officer - IPERS

The State of Iowa is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS). This leader will be responsible for fulfilling IPERS’ mission as the fiduciary responsible for administering the IPERS Trust Fund. IPERS exists for the exclusive benefit of its members and fulfills its obligations to cost-effectively pay benefits, maintain stable contribution rates, protect member information and provide outstanding service.

IPERS administers a defined-benefit retirement system for public employees of the State of Iowa and its political subdivisions. It is a cost-sharing, multiple-employer system that provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to more than 423,000 members and manages $46.7 billion in trust fund assets.

As an independent agency within the executive branch of state government, IPERS is led by a CEO appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate, for a four-year term. The CEO works under the general direction of the Governor and is accountable to the Legislature, the IPERS Investment Board—statutorily designated as the trustee of the system and trust fund—and the Benefits Advisory Committee, which advises the Legislature on benefit administration and the adequacy of the plan. The CEO’s salary is set by the IPERS Investment Board.

The CEO is responsible for the strategic direction, planning and overall leadership of IPERS. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with a proven ability to unite stakeholders around a shared mission of delivering outstanding, cost-effective service to members. This individual will possess strong decision‑making skills, the ability to implement operational policies and strategic plans, and a talent for motivating and supporting employees. The successful candidate will lead organizational improvements and manage an administrative budget of $24 million, overseeing a staff of 104 employees.

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with an emphasis in business or public administration. Prefer a J.D., M.B.A., M.P.A. or other post‑graduate degree related to pension plan administration. Five years of full‑time progressively more responsible management work with a pension system, which includes demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of pension fund administration, including financial management, investment asset management, benefit design and delivery, legal administration, and operations administration.

While serving in office, the CEO is prohibited from holding any other public office; being a member of a partisan elective office; or contributing to a political campaign fund. However, the CEO may designate on the checkoff portion of the federal income tax return the party or parties to receive a contribution made through the checkoff.

Annual salary of $202,425 to $287,892, depending on experience. As an employee of IPERS, you are eligible for the State of Iowa comprehensive benefits package that includes the following and more:

• Insurance – Health, Dental, Life and Long‑Term Disability
• Paid time off – Nine paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave which accrue on your first day of employment
• IPERS – A lifetime monthly benefit for vested employees. The State contributes a percentage on your behalf
• Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) – A voluntary retirement savings program including a State match of up to $75/month