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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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…