Deputy Retirement Administrator ***REPOST*** PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR IV

Located in Baltimore’s Central Business District, the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) administers benefits for over 430,000 members—active employees, retirees, and vested participants across 12 retirement systems—supporting the financial security of Maryland’s public servants. The workplace offers modern amenities including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site café.

About the role

Under the supervision of the Retirement Administrator, this senior-level management position assists in and executes the overall management, planning, and policy development of the Benefits Administration Division (Division) of the Maryland State Retirement Agency. The Deputy Retirement Administrator assigns priorities and allocates resources (staff, funds, space, and equipment) to meet Division needs. The role requires expertise in pension laws, tax requirements, automated information systems, accounting, budgeting, analytics, and strong oral and written communication skills.

The Division administers death, disability, and retirement benefits for over 430,000 participants in accordance with state and federal laws, including approximately 208,000 active members, 177,000 retirees and beneficiaries, and 45,000 vested former members. Staffed by more than 80 employees with a $7 million annual budget, the Division collects $1 billion in member contributions and disburses $5 billion in benefit payments annually.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct administrative staff in both long- and short-range goals, objectives, policies, and priorities, ensuring established goals are achieved.
• Interpret and apply provisions of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to pension and tax administration.
• Represent the Benefits Administration Division on major legislative initiatives, budget issues, and other meetings requiring Agency representation.
• Direct and oversee special projects, including Early Retirement Incentive Programs and the Maryland Pension Administration System+ (MPAS+) Project.
• Compile and analyze statistical information for budgeting, reporting, planning, and staffing purposes, including data required by the State’s independent Actuary, Legislators, or Trustees.
• Direct the planning, administration, and operation of the Division’s organizational structure, including:
  • Recruiting, hiring, and personnel administrative actions for permanent, temporary, and contractual staff.
  • Ensuring appropriate staffing levels and assigning work activities.
  • Reviewing and evaluating work methods and procedures, and resolving problems.
• Ensure compliance with Board of Trustees’ policies and federal, state, and local pension laws.
• Reconcile and accurately record member contributions and payroll data from state, participating, and withdrawn local government employers in the Annuity Savings Fund monthly.
• Ensure accurate and timely disbursement, recording, and accounting of retiree and beneficiary benefit payments.
• Support and represent the Retirement Administrator in administrative pension matters through frequent contacts with senior Agency management, Board of Trustee members, government officials, and legislators.
• Coordinate and act on matters between the Division and other Agency elements, as well as state, federal, and local government entities.
• Serve as a principal consultant on benefit issues to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and other division managers, as well as external organizations and third parties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience: Six years of administrative or professional work, including three years of supervisory experience. Additional experience may substitute year-for-year for the degree requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in benefits administration or retirement system management.
• Two years of experience with customer service.
• Two years of experience with reconciliations.
• Two years of experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements.
• High-level understanding of pension law, regulations, and tax law.

Special Requirements

A resume, cover letter, and official transcript are required with your application. For education obtained outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation must accompany the application.

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background and credit check.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
• Personal Leave: Six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave: Ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave: Fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Holidays: At least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
• Pension: Credit toward a retirement pension.
• Supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more).
• On-site fitness center with showers and lockers.
• 24/7 building security, on-site parking, and easy access to public transit, restaurants, and shops.
• Eligibility for teleworking.

Location: 120 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Grade: STD 0026

This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and is exempt from bargaining.