Pension Benefits Functional Specialist

Position 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. 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. City: New Brunswick State: NJ Posting Number: 26ST1975