Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Pension Benefits Functional Specialist
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Human Resources
Department	UHR - Benefits & Wellness
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. University Human Resources (UHR) supports the Rutgers mission as an institution of prominence, preeminent in research, teaching, service, and clinical care. We strive to provide the highest level of customer service in delivering a comprehensive network of programs, services, and expertise to attract, retain, and develop diverse and highly skilled top talent.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking two Pension Benefits Functional Specialists for the Benefits and Wellness team within the department of University Human Resources. his position reports to the Assistant Director of Benefits and Wellness and is responsible for consistently delivering best in class benefit related services to the Rutgers community. The position will deploy specialized knowledge to administer defined benefits, defined contribution, and voluntary savings plans. Among the key duties of the position are the following: University Human Resources, subject matter expert for administrative functions tied to the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans as well as the voluntary savings plans offered. Liaises with OneSource, Payroll Services, HRIT, the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB) and pension and savings vendors. Responsible for vendor coordination of enrollment activity which involves research and reporting to support University & vendor reconciliations, and depositing/returning funds as needed. Researches and responds to complex inquiries from NJDPB. Advises OneSource customer service and enrollment representatives (either in person or via email) on the resolution of complex pension and savings related inquiries. Acts as the employer representative in response to requests from internal and external audits as well as union grievances and arbitrations for members. Perform required research and prepare documentation; appear and/ or testify as necessary. Serves as a point of contact for escalations relating to vendor file errors. Performs defined benefit contribution calculations monthly and send payment to the NJDPB in accordance with State deadlines. Process payments for employer liabilities. Performs audits to ensure plan compliance and communicate corrective actions to be taken by appropriate departments. Reviews monthly defined benefit program retirements to certify and ensure accurate service time and final salaries. Responsible for the Deferred Compensation (457) plan file upload, review, and reconciliation with payroll records. Reviews and reconciles quarterly contribution reports (member pension, life, loans and purchase). Processes and submits monthly and quarterly wire payments. Coordinate with HRIT regarding manual adjustments to quarterly report and create and submit check requests where needed. Ensures retirement transactional services are delivered in a consistent and timely manner in accordance with payroll and State deadlines. Participates in creating and updating the knowledge management system for use by employee self-service as well as customer service representatives for benefits enrollments and related topics. Identifies process improvement opportunities, leading practices and innovative approaches and tools to increase efficiencies and cost effectiveness across end-to-end UHR retirement processes. Ensures all relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled. Documents and updates pension and savings plan processes and procedures. Participates in and support ongoing training and development initiatives. Creates, fosters, and maintains a collaborative, innovative, customer-focused team culture. Performs related duties as assigned.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	03
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	50435.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	63836.500
Annual Maximum Salary	77238.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Administrators Confidential
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Rutgers also offers a benefit program to eligible full-time postdoctoral fellow students. For details, please go to https://finance.rutgers.edu/healthcare-risk/insurance/postdoctoral-health-insurance.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Benefits enrollments or related area.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Knowledge of Benefits enrollment and related processes, policies, and practices. Ability to accurately prepare detailed, technical, and confidential benefits and payroll deduction transactions. Knowledge of HRIS software. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to understand HR terminology/concepts, policies, and procedures. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations. Ability to handle and maintain confidential information. Must possess a positive, team-oriented approach to service delivery. Must be able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience performing benefits enrollments, preferably in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program. Experience in the administration of defined benefit and contribution retirement plans. Knowledge of case management and tracking software. 3-5 years prior experience working with defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	23ST2885
Posting Open Date	10/24/2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement