Retirement Implementation Specialist

Alerus; Arizona; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous paid time off programs

Learning and development resources

Job summary

Alerus is seeking a Retirement Implementation Specialist in Arizona to lead the onboarding process for new retirement plan clients. You will manage all elements of onboarding, coordinating with internal and external parties to ensure a successful transition for clients.

The ideal candidate will have experience in defined contribution and project management, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to client service. A competitive salary range of $55,000 to $70,000 annually is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the defined contribution industry.
• Previous experience with new client onboarding and/or project management.
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, and seeks creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding process for new Alerus retirement plan clients.
• Schedule and facilitate implementation calls with stakeholders.
• Provide clear communication regarding roles involved in implementation.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

About The Role

The Retirement Implementation Specialist is responsible for leading the onboarding process for new Alerus retirement plan clients, including startup plans, transfer plans, and internal conversions. The role manages all elements of the onboarding process by coordinating internal departments and external parties through an established implementation timeline, communicating the implementation plan, scheduling, tracking, and reporting to internal and external parties, assigning tasks, and ensuring service timelines are met to provide a successful transition of new business from sales to the Alerus account representative while delivering a positive customer experience for the plan sponsor and other external parties.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as the primary point of contact and partner with Alerus sales consultants to coordinate the new business implementation process.
• Schedule and facilitate implementation calls with client, advisor, TPA, prior vendor(s), and Alerus team members to define the implementation timeline, blackout period, key milestones, and plan effective date.
• Determine unique features, service definitions, and scope of service offerings agreed upon during the sales process and participate in presentations on key accounts when required.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to find solutions for complex requests while maintaining consistency with established service offerings.
• Request, collect, and review new plan documentation and agreements for all Alerus Retirement Plan segments including Direct, Advisor, and TPA business.
• Confirm investment menu with client, advisor, and fund wholesaler and review the fund selection to ensure availability, establishment of account, and trading information.
• Resolve residual issues to ensure funds, share classes, trading activity, and account setup are correct.
• Provide clear communication regarding the roles of each individual involved in the implementation process.
• Properly document key discussions and decisions related to plan setup and onboarding.
• Coordinate, schedule, and facilitate meetings with internal and external parties throughout the implementation process, including but not limited to document design, payroll and website training, data and asset transition, etc.
• Provide updates to internal tracking tools. Communicate with internal and external parties to proactively identify and manage implementation expectations, needs, and concerns. Follow up promptly on potential timeline slippage.
• Manage and coordinate preparation and delivery of education materials, participant mailings, required notices, and enrollment meeting dates with external and internal parties.
• Discuss and finalize the collection process for internal and external fees with advisor/client.
• Review all internal systems for accuracy and timely completion.
• Understand the breadth of product offering and features of each. Discuss options with appropriate parties as opportunities arise.
• Calculate, document, and update expected ongoing revenue.
• Facilitate transition calls with internal and external parties to the ongoing service team.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of how the recordkeeping, trust systems, and sponsor & participant websites operate and report information. Maintain current knowledge about system enhancements.
• Deliver training and support to Alerus staff including sales, relationship management, compliance, operations, and administration.
• Update materials, procedures, instructions, etc. Distribute to staff as required.
• Foster a positive work environment and support co‑workers in the achievement of departmental goals.
• Establish work objectives and priorities to perform work in a cost‑effective manner.
• Proactively recommend changes in procedures, forms, and checklists to reduce account errors, increase productivity, or improve the client experience.

What You Should Have

• Associate’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the defined contribution industry, preferably in recordkeeping or administration.
• Previous experience with new client onboarding and/or project management.
• Previous experience supporting advisors, brokers, and third‑party vendors.
• Proven ability to multi‑task, prioritize workflow of self and others, and coordinate activity as an effective team member to meet deadlines and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated written/oral communication, presentation, and organization skills.
• Exhibited commitment to delivering a high‑level of client service.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Available to cover peak workloads.
• Ability to travel on occasion.
• Established interpersonal skills such as diplomacy, judgment, decision making, and discretion.
• Exhibits an analytical approach to solving complex challenges while keeping both the client and the company’s needs in mind.
• Self‑motivated, takes initiative, seeks creative solutions, and actively engages in all work responsibilities.
• Disciplined, strong attention to detail, and well organized.
• Considerate, approachable, and professional when collaborating with internal and external parties.
• Proactive in anticipating customer needs and adaptable to unforeseen changes typical of a fast‑paced environment.

What We Bring To The Table

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus, and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well‑being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company‑paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

Base Pay Range

$55,000 - $70,000 annually

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.