Director of Defined Contribution

Director of Defined Contribution

Lead strategy. Strengthen retirement programs. Deliver exceptional member outcomes.

Location: Champaign, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Classification: Program Coordinator

Reports to: Chief Benefits Officer

If you are passionate about retirement plan leadership, strategic partnerships, and delivering high-quality retirement services, this role offers the opportunity to share and guide SURS' defined contribution plans.

What You'll Do

As the Director of Defined Contribution, you will lead the strategy, oversight, and administration of the SURS Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) and Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP). You will serve as the primary internal leader responsible for coordinating investment, legal, accounting, counseling, communications, and vendor partners to ensure these plans operate efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with SURS' mission.

This role combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vendor management while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven organization serving members throughout Illinois public higher education.

Defined Contribution Plan Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the SURS Retirement Savings Plan (401a) and Deferred Compensation Plan (457b)
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of both defined contribution plans
• Monitor compliance with SURS policies, applicable statutes, and plan documents
• Identify opportunities to improve plan operations, services, and member experiences

Vendor & Recordkeeper Oversight

• Serve as the primary liaison between SURS and the defined contribution recordkeeper, investment consultants, and other service providers
• Monitor service level agreements and vendor performance to ensure quality service delivery
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to resolve complex operational issues
• Participate in vendor due diligence and evaluate opportunities to enhance plan services and capabilities

Team Leadership & Operational Management

• Lead and support a team responsible for processing member terminations, forfeitures, refunds, and retirement distributions
• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance management to team members
• Assign and prioritize work to ensure service standards are met
• Develop reporting and tracking mechanisms that support division goals and operational excellence

Investment Plan Strategy Collaboration

• Partner with the SURS investment team to analyze and recommend improvements to the defined contribution investment lineup
• Participate in discussions regarding innovative retirement plan strategies and industry best practices
• Stay informed on developments within the pension and defined contribution industry

Cross Department Collaboration

• Work closely with SURS teams including legal, accounting, counseling, communications, customer service and employer services to support program administration
• Create educational materials and member communications related to the RSP and DCP
• Serve as a technical resource for defined contribution operations and plan administration

Organizational Initiatives & System Implementation

• Participate in initiatives supporting the implementation and ongoing enhancement of the SURS Pension Administration System
• Support testing, system improvements, and process alignment for defined contribution operations
• Assist with reporting and analysis related to Board reports, audits, and organizational initiatives

External Representation & Industry Engagement

• Represent SURS' defined contribution programs with external partners and professional organizations
• Participate in conferences, industry discussions, and collaborative forums when appropriate
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, regulatory changes, and innovations in defined contribution plan management

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
3. At least four (4) years of professional experience in retirement plan administration, financial services, pension administration, or a related field. (Note: A Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering or overseeing defined contribution retirement plans such as 401(a), 403(b), or 457(b)
• Experience working with retirement plan recordkeepers or third-party administrators
• Experience managing vendor relationships and service level agreements
• Familiarity with government retirement plans or public pension systems
• Experience working with investment consultants or evaluating retirement plan investment lineups
• Increasing leadership experience within benefits, financial services, or retirement plan administration
• Experience preparing operational reports, board materials, or audit documentation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Demonstrated ability to effectively train, coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate operational data and reports
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners
• Professional presence and ability to positively represent the organization with stakeholders
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills
• Analytical mindset to assess learning gaps and operational trends
• High level of professionalism and adaptability in a changing environment
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Work Environment & Compensation

• Full-time position based in Champaign, IL
• Fully in-office during initial training; potential hybrid schedule available afterward
• The starting salary range for this position is $109,810 - $137,260. This is a competitive salary, taking into consideration experience and internal equity. Highly qualified candidates may be offered a salary higher than the above range.
• Standard 37.5-hour work week

Benefits That Matter

• State of Illinois insurance benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Participation in the SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays after 6 months
• Paid parental leave after 6 months
• Flexible, professional work environment
• Free parking
• Find more details regarding the benefits SURS offers at: SURS Employee Benefits - SURS

About SURS

The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) administers retirement, disability, survivor, and death benefits for over 255,000 members across Illinois public higher education institutions. Founded in 1941, SURS manages more than $30 billion in assets, including over $5 billion in defined contributions assets, and is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and compassionate service to members throughout their careers and lives.