Retirement Program Administrator

Retirement Program Administrator

The City of Phoenix Employees' Retirement System (COPERS) is a single-employer, defined benefit pension plan established by the City Charter. Its purpose is to provide retirement, disability retirement and survivor benefits for its members. COPERS is a $4.3 billion public retirement system for non-uniformed City of Phoenix employees. COPERS has an active membership of approximately 9,600 employees and retired membership of approximately 9,000. The Retirement Office serves several vital roles within the City, including COPERS, a robust Defined Contribution/Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP), a Post Employment Health Plan (a VEBA Trust) (PEHP), and performs administrative duties on behalf of the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. Due to an upcoming retirement, the City of Phoenix is looking for their next Retirement Program Administrator. This position has overall responsibility for the leadership, administration, and financial stewardship of COPERS and the DCP/PEHP Plans and oversees all aspects of retirement system operations, including office administration and budgeting, comprehensive plan administration, and the design, interpretation, and communication of retirement benefits to members and stakeholders. Operating under the general direction of the City Manager, the Administrator serves as the primary staff advisor to the board listed above. This role will oversee an annual budget of $2.5 million and 22 hardworking and dedicated employees. The Retirement Program Administrator will collaborate closely with retirement board members, department directors, City Council members, financial advisors, paying agents, and peer government retirement organizations to advance sound governance, informed decision-making, and exceptional service to plan members. Candidates shall have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, accounting, finance or related field, along with a minimum of six (6) years of experience in an administrative level role, including three years' experience in a supervisory capacity. It is preferred that candidates have prior experience in public or private retirement or benefit program administration. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.