Defined Contribution Consultant

Meketa; Chicago, Westwood (IL, MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Meketa Investment Group is seeking a Defined Contribution Consultant to serve as a strategic advisor to institutional retirement plan sponsors and fiduciary committees in Chicago, IL or Westwood, MA. The role covers 401(k), 457(b), 403(b) design, governance, and QDIA oversight, with emphasis on investment menu design and manager due diligence.

You will build and manage client relationships, develop strategies for defined contribution plans, perform manager searches, monitor fees, and support

Qualifications

• 10+ years in defined contribution investment consulting or retirement plan advisory services.
• Advanced degree (MBA/MA/MS/PhD) or relevant professional designation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of 401(k), 457(b), 403(b) and other defined contribution plan structures.
• Understanding of ERISA, plan governance, and fiduciary requirements.
• Excellent analytical, writing, presentation, and client relationship skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage relationships with 8–12 institutional defined contribution clients.
• Develop investment strategies for 401(k), 457(b), 403(b) plans and QDIA oversight.
• Conduct due diligence and implement investment manager searches and selections.
• Monitor plan fees, service provider performance, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Support Investment Policy Statements, governance frameworks, and fiduciary processes.
• Lead or support provider evaluations, cost analyses, and implementation projects.
• Collaborate with teams to identify new plan design developments and educate clients.
• Participate in firm committees to enhance services and operational efficiency.
• Utilize Meketa-approved technology (including AI) to improve deliverables.

Skills

Relationship management

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

MBA/MA/MS/PhD or professional designation

Tools

Meketa software/AI tools

Job description

Position:Defined Contribution Consultant

Location: Chicago, IL or Westwood, MA

Job Id:634

# of Openings:1

Defined Contribution Consultant

Summary

Defined Contribution Consultants serve as strategic advisors to institutional retirement plan sponsors and fiduciary committees, providing expert guidance on defined contribution plan investments, governance, and design. The role supports 401(k), 457(b), 403(b), and other participant-directed retirement plans through investment menu construction, target date fund and qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) oversight, recordkeeper oversight, manager selection, performance monitoring, fee analysis, and evaluation of participant outcomes. This position requires analytical rigor, strong relationship management, and leadership to deliver high-impact consulting services aligned with each client’s fiduciary responsibilities, plan objectives, and participant needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage relationships with 8–12 institutional defined contribution clients, serving as the primary investment advisor to plan sponsors, fiduciary committees, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement investment strategies for 401(k), 457(b), 403(b), and other defined contribution plans, including investment menu design, asset class coverage, active and passive implementation, capital preservation options, and retirement income considerations.
• Conduct investment manager, target date fund, QDIA, stable value, managed account, and custom fund searches, due diligence, selection, and implementation processes.
• Monitor investment options, target date fund glide paths, plan fees, and service provider performance, and provide actionable recommendations through regular reporting and analysis.
• Support the development and ongoing review of Investment Policy Statements, governance frameworks, and fiduciary processes, and help clients evaluate plan practices in light of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, SECURE 2.0, Department of Labor and IRS guidance, and other applicable federal or governmental requirements, in coordination with legal counsel and other plan professionals.
• Lead or support recordkeeper and service provider evaluations, fee benchmarking, cost and revenue-sharing analyses, service-level monitoring, and searches, conversions, or implementation projects.
• Collaborate with investment research, performance, legal and compliance, and defined contribution specialists to identify emerging investment and plan design developments and contribute to client education and thought leadership.
• Participate in firm committees and strategic planning efforts to enhance defined contribution service offerings, research priorities, and operational efficiency.
• Utilize Meketa-approved technology (including AI), software, and related tools as part of daily work activities to improve quality and efficiency, support decision-making, and enhance deliverables, consistent with company policies and role requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in defined contribution investment consulting, retirement plan advisory services, or related financial services.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MA/MS, or PhD) or relevant professional designation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of 401(k), 457(b). 403(b), and other defined contribution plan structures, including investment menu design, target date funds, QDIAs, plan fees, and recordkeeping arrangements.
• Strong understanding of portfolio construction, investment manager evaluation, performance analysis, fiduciary governance, and participant-focused retirement outcomes.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, SECURE 2.0, and applicable Department of Labor, IRS, and governmental plan requirements; ability to collaborate effectively with legal counsel and other plan professionals.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, presentation, and client relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client relationships, lead complex projects, and deliver strategic recommendations to fiduciary committees and plan sponsors.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, continuous improvement, and high-quality client service.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

About Meketa Investment Group

Meketa Investment Group is an employee-owned full-service investment consulting and advisory firm. We work with some of the nation’s largest and most sophisticated institutional investors including public and private plan sponsors. We have a staff of over 250 employees among our six U.S. office locations and London.

Meketa recognizes that our workforce is a reflection of our company, and we operate in an inclusive environment that accepts and promotes diversity. We believe our employees can best serve our clients in an atmosphere where individuals are treated fairly, where professional growth is developed and encouraged, and where a healthy balance between work and home life is respected and preserved. To support employees, Meketa offers a competitive compensation structure, a wide range of benefits from core insurance benefits to time-based benefits, as well as flexible schedules and support for continuing education.

Meketa is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirm.

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 us.