Senior Benefits & Retirement Specialist

About the Company:

Charter Impact empowers mission-driven organizations to achieve their goals through personalized support in finance, operations, and business management. We accomplish this through enthusiastic collaboration within our team and with our clients to support their communities. We are a remote first company growing on a national scale and are continuously seeking qualified candidates to join us. Ideal candidates will be highly motivated professionals who are committed to supporting the team in an environment of growth and change.

Role Summary:

The Senior Benefits & Retirement Specialist is responsible for overseeing all retirement-related functions for STRS and PERS, while also managing benefits administration processes such as open enrollment, rate updates, and employee enrollments. This role serves as the primary liaison between Charter Impact's clients, CalSTRS, CalPERS, and County Offices of Education, ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting. Additionally, this position collaborates with the Payroll team to support client needs, update employee records, and streamline benefits and retirement processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.

This position is remote to candidates based in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT and/or WA.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison for clients with County Offices of Education, CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System) and CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System).
• Respond to escalated STRS and PERS issues, interpreting and applying relevant laws, rules, and policies to resolve reporting discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all retirement plans and ensure compliance with STRS and PERS regulations.
• Audit, process, reconcile, and correct STRS, PERS, and benefit contributions, collaborating with the Payroll and Accounting teams to ensure accuracy.
• Enter and update CalPERS contributions in the CalPERS system as applicable.
• Monitor and manage CalSTRS and CROWE audits, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Upload F496 files to SEW, correct errors in Macro text files, and submit required reports to CalSTRS and County Offices of Education.
• Stay updated on compensation limit changes and notify clients accordingly.
• Research STRS membership type for all new hires and ensure accurate enrollment.
• Manage open enrollment processes for clients, including rate updates, employee enrollments, terminations, and plan changes.
• Enter and update new benefit rates and plan information in the system, ensuring accuracy before open enrollment.
• Assist clients and employees with benefits-related inquiries, including eligibility, enrollments, and coverage options.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers to resolve enrollment and billing issues.
• Work closely with Payroll and HR teams to ensure seamless benefits deductions and compliance with benefits regulations.
• Generate reports and maintain records related to benefits and retirement enrollments.
• Provide guidance to Payroll Specialists on benefits deductions and retirement reporting.
• Assist with new hire processing, employee changes, and payroll-related benefits deductions as needed.
• Communicate with clients regarding missing documents, benefit elections, and compliance updates.
• Support the Payroll Team by running reports and assisting with benefits-related payroll entries.
• Conduct training sessions for internal staff on retirement and benefits best practices.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in retirement plan administration, benefits administration, or payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of CalSTRS, CalPERS, and 403(b) retirement plans.
• Experience with employee benefits administration, open enrollment, and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate/advanced level required).
• Ability to analyze data, solve non-routine problems, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in payroll processing systems such as Paycor, ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Frontline, or Paychex is a plus
• Experience with Sage Intacct / Abila Non-Profit Accounting is a plus
• Knowledge of non-profit and charter school payroll compliance is a plus

What's in it for You?

• As a remote-first organization, we embrace flexibility and collaboration across teams. To support your success, we provide a company-issued laptop along with essential accessories, including a mouse, keyboard, and monitor, to help you create a productive remote workspace.
• Opportunities to connect: Engage in frequent virtual and in-person team-building events.
• Incredible colleagues: Work alongside a passionate team making a real impact.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match-and much more!
• Generous paid time off: Receive 11 paid company holidays and a winter break from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Earn a bonus for successful referrals.

$34 - $40 an hour

This position has a base hourly rate of $34.00 - $40.00 per hour, with the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance, business needs and business results.

Charter Impact strives to be an employer of choice for highly motivated and mission-driven professionals. We are committed to fostering a team environment where all members work together to achieve common goals, and where staff are supported, challenged and inspired in their work.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.