Pension Benefits Lead – Survivor & Disability

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois is seeking a Benefits Supervisor to lead the Survivor and Disability team and coordinate daily workflow within the Benefits function. The role supports policy implementation, staff coaching, and ensuring accurate, timely pension processing for Illinois educators.

You will work under the Benefits Manager, cross-train in Retirements and Member Accounts, and participate in projects to improve processes and controls within the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required.
• Five (5) + years of experience in public pension fund member services or pension administration management.
• One (1) + year in a supervisory or team lead/senior role.
• Experience in a public pension plan preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, develop, coach, train, and evaluate assigned Benefits staff; provide ongoing feedback and guidance regarding performance, productivity, and work quality.
• Direct and coordinate daily workflow within the assigned functional area, including assigning and balancing workloads, monitoring productivity, and ensuring established production and service deadlines are met.
• Monitor the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of work performed by Benefits Analysts and provide technical guidance and corrective direction as needed.
• Serve as a technical resource to Benefits staff regarding applicable pension laws, rules, policies, procedures, and internal controls; resolve routine and moderately complex issues and escalates significant or precedent-setting matters to the Benefits Manager.
• Implement established policies, procedures, internal controls, and approved process changes within the assigned functional area; identify opportunities for improvement and communicate recommendations to the Benefits Manager.
• Review and verify claims, recalculations, and other work prepared by Benefits Analysts and perform difficult or time-sensitive calculations requiring advanced knowledge and judgment, as needed.
• Coordinate assigned recurring Benefits activities and operational projects, including Mandatory Distribution Research, questionnaires, reporting requirements, and other activities within the assigned functional area.
• Monitor and coordinate the timely completion of Daily Action Reports and other required operational activities.
• Assist with the testing and implementation of approved system enhancements and serve as the liaison between Benefits staff, and Information Technology in the event the Benefits Manager is unavailable or as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and provide Benefits subject matter expertise, as assigned.
• Assist in identifying staff training and development needs and provide technical or operational training as assigned.
• Work closely with the Benefits Manager and other Benefits Leaders to promote consistent application of policies, procedures, and practices across Benefits.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Education

Bachelors degree in business administration, Communications, Education, or a related field

Four years of progressive experience in lieu of a degree

Job description

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois is seeking a Benefits Supervisor to lead the Survivor and Disability team and coordinate daily workflow within the Benefits function. The role supports policy implementation, staff coaching, and ensuring accurate, timely pension processing for Illinois educators.

You will work under the Benefits Manager, cross-train in Retirements and Member Accounts, and participate in projects to improve processes and controls within the department.