Position / Title:Retirement and Pension Specialist
Bargaining Unit: NON-UNION
Department/Location: Payroll
Calendar Days: 260
Reports To: Coordinator - Payroll
JD Revision Date: 04/16/2026
Supervises: N/A
Function / Position Summary
Responsible for providing expert, continuous support for employee benefit and retirement systems. This includes the resolution of inquiries regarding Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), 403(b) and 457(b) plans, Social Security, Medicare and all associated pension benefits.
Job Duties / Responsibilities
- Conduct individual retirement counseling sessions for employees.
- Calculate and process district-paid retirement incentives, bonuses, and enhancements.
- Coordinate and deliver retirement education sessions and informational materials.
- Maintain and update employee enrollment, termination, and status changes within IMRF and TRS systems.
- Analyze, audit, and manage pension-related data within the payroll system.
- Process employee retirements within the payroll system and ensure accurate final pay and benefit handling.
- Audit IMRF and TRS records to ensure proper tier classification, eligibility, and compliance.
- Collaborate across Human Resources, Benefits, and Payroll departments to manage retirement, insurance benefits, and pension programs accurately.
- Coordinate 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans with third-party administrator (TPA) and employees.
- Process and reconcile all 403(b), 457(b), SSP, and VAC payroll deductions and remittances.
- Process and track all 403(b) and 457(b) withdrawal requests, ensuring timely handling and coordination with both legacy and current vendors.
- Manage data file transfers to TPA and coordinate timely funding with Financial Services.
- Prepare and analyze reports to support compliance, audits, and strategic planning.
- Assist with retirement recognition programs and related events.
- Administer enrollment, billing, and life insurance programs for the Association of Elgin School Administrators (AESA).
- Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to retirement and payroll.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
Experience / Knowledge
- Minimum of five years of experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Financial Services.
- Experience administering public sector retirement systems strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., Munis, Skyward, or similar platforms).
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP) and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Understanding of payroll processes, including, pre- and post-tax deductions.
- Knowledge of Illinois public pension systems, including TRS and IMRF.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects through completion.
Physical Demands
- Ability to work on a computer over a major portion of the work day.
- Ability to lift or move 25 pounds.
Terms of Employment
- This is a 12-month position. Salary and benefits are as established by the Board of Education.
- The salary range for this position is $54,752.00 - $82,139.00. Our typical practice is to hire in between the minimum and midpoint $68,446.00.
Benefit / Pension eligible, see attachment.