The CalSTRS Disability & Survivor Benefits Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Pension Program Manager I in the Payment Review Unit.
The Disability and Survivor Benefits (DaSB) Division is responsible for administering two of CalSTRS’ core benefits. Disability Services provides benefits to CalSTRS members who, due to a disability, are unable to perform their usual duties. The Survivor Benefits Unit supports our members and their beneficiaries when they need CalSTRS the most, providing financial stability for their loved ones.
Under general direction of the Pension Program Manager II, the Pension Program Manager I operating as the Payment Review Manager plans, organizes, and supervises technical and professional staff within Disability & Survivor Benefits (DaSB) in auditing benefit payments to ensure timely review and accurate benefits are processed for members and survivors. The PPM l assists in the division’s strategic planning related to case management, production goals, training needs, legislative reviews and proposals, work/process improvement, etc.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Ability to present complex information to various audiences with tact and sound judgement
• Customer/client focus
• Demonstrated experience simultaneously handling multiple assignments and meeting deadlines, while remaining flexible to rapidly changing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to interpret and apply pension laws, rules and policies
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships across business areas and all levels of the organization
• Goal oriented, approachable, and willing to empower and hold staff accountable.
• Ability to take initiative and make logical decisions based on objective information

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.
All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

CALSTRS: SECURING THE FINANCIAL FUTURE AND SUSTAINING THE TRUST OF CALIFORNIA’S EDUCATORS

CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California’s more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management eight times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.
In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/about-CalSTRS.
Special Requirements

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font and address the following questions.

• Which leadership/management skills do you have that make you qualified to succeed in this position? Please provide specific work experience examples when you have demonstrated these skills.
• Describe one specific work situation that you consider to be your most stressful, while acting as a lead. What specific leadership/management skills did you use to remain resilient in the face of adversity?

Exam
Please note that the Staff Services Manager I (SSMI) examination certification list will be used as an appropriate to fill this job. If appointed as a Pension Program Manager I (PPMI), you must meet the minimum qualifications for both the PPMI AND the SSMI appropriate classification. To view the minimum qualifications, please see the Classification Specification link in the Minimum Requirements section.
This position requires a current Staff Services Manager I Exam. If you need to take the exam or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

CALSTRS DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/14/2025

Please refer the Job description for details