HR Retirement Analyst

at  California State University

CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE STATEMENT

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of HR Retirement Analyst. The CSU Chancellor’s Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation’s largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor’s Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

POSITION INFORMATION

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an HR Retirement Analyst to serve as an integral part of the Human Resources Management (HRM) Benefits team responsible for administering systemwide retirement benefits for the California State University’s (CSU) 23 campuses and the Office of the Chancellor. The incumbent performs a variety of professional, technical, and administrative duties that support the following CSU retirement benefit plans: CSU Supplemental Retirement Plan (403(b)), CalHR Savings Plus Program (457, 401(k)), University of California’s Defined Contribution (UCDC) Plan [closed], and CalPERS’ defined benefit pension plan. The incumbent assists campus benefit representatives with retirement benefit inquiries regarding plan design, eligibility, coverage, enrollment, operational best practices, business/technical processes, transactions, and access. The incumbent will also assist with systemwide plan communications.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience is required.
• A minimum of three years of professional level experience in benefits administration is required.
• Capable of learning applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to retirement benefits administration.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of representatives from campuses and outside agencies to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships.
• Able to research and provide guidance on retirement issues.
• Requires math skills and the ability to perform basic data analysis within tight timeframes.
• Must have knowledge in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software programs. Demonstrated experience compiling complex excel spreadsheets.
• Ability to understand and interpret documents such as plan documents and provisions.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner, and the ability to work under strict time constraints.
• General knowledge of general human resources operations with emphasis on benefits administration practices and regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Retirement benefit plan experience is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a large complex organization or headquarters is preferred. Higher education experience and experience working in a union environment is highly desirable.
• Able to use HRIS systems; experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle preferred.

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Retirement Programs, the HR Retirement Analyst will perform duties as outlined below:

Benefit Plan Development, Implementation, Administration and Review

• Assist in executing a variety of professional and administrative tasks that contribute to the effective development, implementation, and day-to-day operation of CSU systemwide retirement plans.
• Assist in developing and updating retirement benefits programs, policies, and procedures under the guidance of senior staff. Ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements and internal policies.
• Help prepare, coordinate, and distribute essential communications such as universal notices, plan disclosures, and other employee materials related to retirement benefits. Ensure timely and accurate dissemination.
• Assist in maintaining and revising CSU retirement benefit program administrative manuals. Provide support in updating HR policy statements and technical advisory letters, ensuring they reflect current regulations.
• Support collaboration with third-party agencies and vendors, including the State Controller’s Office (SCO), CalPERS, Fidelity (403b plan recordkeeper), and CalHR. Assist in ensuring efficient delivery of retirement benefits to CSU employees and retirees.
• Support senior staff in managing retirement benefit Requests for Proposals (RFPs), conducting vendor evaluations, and handling contract administration. Contribute to implementation activities as needed.
• Help gather and review recommended changes to benefit provisions in collective bargaining agreements. Assist in reviewing union proposals and drafting contract language with input from senior staff.
• Provide support in researching and analyzing legislative changes and policies that impact CSU retirement benefit programs. Assist in ensuring compliance with new regulatory requirements.

Financial/Accounting/Data Analysis

• Perform financial and operational audits of CSU employee retirement benefit programs, provide recommendations, and coordinate resolutions if needed.
• Generate, audit, and analyze detailed reports on retirement plans to support decision-making processes. Present findings to senior management and recommend improvements based on data-driven insights.
• Conduct audits of participant activities including elections, contributions, distributions, and benefit statements. Ensure accuracy and adherence to established plan guidelines and regulations.
• Perform year-end audits to verify participant contributions against regulatory limits, ensuring compliance with IRS guidelines and identifying any necessary corrective actions.

Training and Employee Communication

• Assist in creating clear, engaging, and informative communication materials related to CSU retirement benefit plans. This includes writing content for emails, newsletters, presentations, and educational resources to help employees understand plan features and benefits.
• Collaborate with senior staff in designing and preparing training materials for campus benefits representatives. Assist in organizing and delivering training sessions that explain CSU retirement plan provisions, ensuring campus staff are well-equipped to assist employees with their retirement benefits.
• Regularly update and improve the content and functionality of both internal and external systemwide benefits websites. Ensure the information is accurate, professional, and easy to navigate, enhancing the user experience. Contribute to efforts to improve the quality, quantity, and searchability of available resources to better serve employees and benefit staff.

Benefits Customer Service

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of retirement programs. Research and resolve participant questions and plan issues.
• Facilitate, review, and approve employees’ and retirees’ requests such as: distributions, rollovers, special catch-up contributions, enrollment, and other inquiries.
• Research and resolve inquiries from campus benefit representatives including but not limited to plan design, best practices, business/technical processes, eligibility, and enrollment.
• Troubleshoot, research, and update employee and retiree accounts.
• Assist the assistant director of retirement programs when consultation is necessary with Labor Relations and the Office of General Council when campus customer service responsibilities intersect with CBA language interpretation, campus past practices, CSU policy and the law.
• Performs other duties as required.