Retirement Plan Specialist

About the role

The Retirement Plan Specialist is a key member of the Retirement Solutions team, working with assigned FPW advisors in the delivery and ongoing management of employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b), cash balance, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. This role is responsible for coordinating the operational and administrative functions of the retirement plan practice, including onboarding new clients, scheduling and preparing for plan review meetings, and developing materials for client and prospective client presentations, and supporting participant education efforts.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries and issues providing exceptional service and ensuring a positive experience for plan sponsors and plan participants
• Exercises discretion in resolving client issues and determining appropriate course of action
• Aid plan participants, when needed, with their requests for distributions, hardship withdrawals, loans, and enrollment, and related service requests
• Aid plan sponsors and plan participants with accessing and navigating retirement plan portals, online tools, and mobile applications as well as providing guidance on system usage and features
• Present group participant education sessions and meet with participants one-on-one when needed
• Serve as the liaison between service providers: TPAs, recordkeepers, CPAs
• Oversee service provider selection and RFP process, including analysis and recommendations
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as Operations and Compliance, as needed to support client needs and maintain service quality
• Coordinate client meetings, schedule client committee meetings and prepare reports and materials in advance of the meetings, schedule group participant education sessions and individual participant meetings, when needed
• Direct annual service schedule - track and monitor that all service is provided to each client each year
• Maintain client information and files according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate client information in the CRM, including detailed records of client interactions, inquiries, and resolutions
• Support advisors with business development efforts including drafting RPF responses and creating proposals
• Independently evaluate plan design, fees, and provider performance and make recommendations to advisors and clients
• Coordinate the onboarding process of new plans with the plan sponsor and recordkeeper, attending weekly calls, influencing plan design decisions and ensuring the conversion is kept on track

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, equivalent relevant experience may be considered
• Series 65 within 120 days of hire
• Industry Credentials are required or strongly preferred (e.g., QKA, QPA, CRPS, CPFA, etc.) or the willingness to obtain them
• Proven experience in a client support role within the financial services industry, with a focus on retirement plan services preferred
• Experience with a recordkeeper, TPA, or investment advisor (or equivalent specializing) in defined contribution plans is required
• Experience supporting participant education meetings, plan review preparation, and retirement plan onboarding processes is preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans is required
• Familiarity with ERISA, IRS and DOL Guidelines is required
• Understanding investment basics - asset classes, share classes, fund expenses, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally
• Ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships with plan sponsors, participants, and internal teams
• Team player mindset with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with internal departments
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Service, Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity and Execution