Senior Manager, Retirement Benefits

Assists the VP, Employee Benefits in planning, designing, implementing, and administering all qualified and nonqualified retirement programs for employees and retirees in support of CoBank’s business strategies.  Programs include:  qualified defined benefit and defined contribution plans, nonqualified SERPs and ERPs, deferred compensation arrangements and excess plans, retiree medical plans, and other retirement related programs.  Plans and directs the development and implementation of new, improved, and/or cost-effective benefit plans.  Ensures compliance with all legal requirements; directs the preparation and filing of legally required reports for Forms 5500 and PBGC, reviews and directs all accounting for benefits including FAS 87, 88 and 106.  Manages and perfects vendor relationships by assisting with the establishment and monitoring of service agreements, testing of communications and calculations, monitoring compliance and ensuring consistency between vendor activities and plan requirements. Assists and advises the CoBank Retirement Trust Committee, and the FCL Retirement Trust Committee in selecting and supervising custodial trustees, brokers, and consultants.  Develops strong partnerships with senior management and the trust committees.  Provides support as needed to other benefits staff in regard to comprehensive medical/dental, flex benefits, life, AD&D, disability, long term care, and vacation and leave programs.

Knowledge and Skills:

Minimum of a Bachelors degree required (Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or HR).  A Masters or higher degree with a business focus is preferred. 10-15 years experience with qualified defined benefit and defined contribution plans, nonqualified SERPs and ERPs, deferred compensation arrangements and excess plans, retiree medical plans, and other retirement related programs to include knowledge of and experience in making plan design recommendations and implementing and communicating change. Advanced certifications such as CPA, CFA, SPHR, or CBP would be preferred. Minimum of 10 years progressive relevant experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a managerial/strategic role required. Knowledge of contemporary techniques of employee benefit administration and application of these techniques. Hands on experience with plan documents, summary plan descriptions, benefit communications, Form 5500 filings, annual audits with multiple regulatory agencies, benefit calculations for defined benefit plans, and compliance testing required. Excellent knowledge of ERISA and IRS Governmental status (non-ERISA) requirements. FMLA tracking and workers’ compensation administration experience desirable. Experience in managing multiple vendors.

Other Requirements:

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, all levels of bank management and staff, and a variety of strategic alliance partners. Ability to function professionally under stringent time pressures.  Ability to make highly effective presentations to executive management.