Pension Benefits Functional Specialist

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 a Pension Benefits Functional Specialist for the Benefits department within University Human Resources. This position is responsible for delivering high-quality, timely, and consistent benefits services to the Rutgers community. The specialist applies in-depth knowledge of retirement and savings programs to support the administration of defined benefit, defined contribution, and voluntary savings plans. The Pension Benefits Functional Specialist serves as a subject matter expert within UHR for the administrative functions associated with the University's defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, as well as its voluntary savings plans. The position provides guidance and expertise to ensure these programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable plan provisions, policies, and requirements.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Liaises with OneSource, Payroll Services, HRIT, the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB), and pension and savings plan vendors to support the effective administration of retirement programs.
• Provides guidance to OneSource customer service and enrollment representatives, both in person and via email, on the resolution of complex pension and savings plan inquiries.
• Researches, analyzes, and responds to complex inquiries and requests from the NJDPB.
• Serves as the employer representative for internal and external audits, union grievances, and arbitrations involving plan members.
• Conducts required research, prepare supporting documentation, and appear or testify as necessary.
• Serves as a primary escalation point for vendor file errors, coordinating research, resolution, and corrective actions with appropriate stakeholders.
• Calculates monthly defined benefit pension contributions and remit payments to the NJDPB in accordance with applicable State deadlines. Process payments associated with employer liabilities.
• Conducts payroll and retirement plan audits to ensure compliance with plan provisions, State requirements, and applicable regulations; communicates findings and coordinates corrective actions with appropriate departments.
• Reviews monthly defined benefit retirement transactions to certify retirements and validate service credit, final salaries, and other information required for accurate benefit calculations.
• Administers inbound file changes for the Deferred Compensation (457) Plan, including review, validation, and reconciliation of payroll records.
• Reviews and reconciles quarterly PERS contribution reports, including member pension, life insurance, loan, and purchase transactions.
• Processes and submits monthly and quarterly wire payments.
• Coordinates with HRIT on manual adjustments to quarterly PERS reports and prepares and submits check requests, as required.
• Ensures retirement transactional services are delivered accurately, consistently, and timely in accordance with payroll processing schedules, State requirements, and applicable deadlines.
• Identifies and implements process improvements, leading practices, innovative approaches, and technology-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy, service delivery, and cost effectiveness across end-to-end University HR retirement processes.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable procedural, regulatory, legislative, plan, and State requirements governing retirement and savings programs.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Grade: 03

Minimum Salary: 54027.000

Mid Range Salary: 68383.000

Maximum Salary: 82739.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Standard Hours: 37.50

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description: Administrators Confidential

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: ABP

Minimum Education and Experience

• 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.

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.
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• 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 handle and maintain confidential information.
• Must possess a positive, team-oriented approach to service delivery.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience in the administration of the Alternate Benefit Plan and the Public Employees' Retirement System under the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits.
• Knowledge of case management and tracking software, specifically, Service Now.
• Strong understanding of pension plan design, regulations, and accounting principles

Posting Open Date: 10/15/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Rutgers University - New Brunswick

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

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 encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement