Lead Pension Specialist

Lead Pension Specialist (Administrator III) (2588)

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), a division of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Lead Pension Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This position plays a critical role in overseeing and administering MTA’s self-funded pension and retirement benefit programs for retirees and a diverse unionized and non-unionized workforce. The incumbent ensures compliance with plan provisions, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations, while providing technical guidance to Pension/Benefits staff and exceptional service to employees and retirees.

• Administer all aspects of MTA’s self-funded pension and retirement benefit programs.
• Calculate and verify pension benefits, including service credit, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility.
• Review and approve pension transactions and data entries for accuracy and compliance.
• Process retirements, terminations, death benefits, and other pension-related events.
• Ensure accurate and timely transmission of pension deductions, contributions, and adjustments.

• Serve as lead technical specialist for pension administration activities.
• Provide training, guidance, and quality review of work completed by Benefits Specialists.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation for pension processing.
• Assist the Benefits Manager with workflow oversight, performance monitoring, and system process improvements.

• Ensure adherence to plan documents, collective bargaining agreements, IRS regulations, and actuarial standards.
• Coordinate pension audits, actuarial valuations, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain records and reports required by state and federal agencies.
• Prepare data and summaries for actuaries, auditors, and executive management.

• Provide individual and group retirement counseling sessions for employees nearing retirement.
• Respond to complex pension-related inquiries from employees, retirees, survivors, and union representatives.
• Develop educational materials and presentations on retirement planning and pension processes.

• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, and HRIS staff to maintain data accuracy in Infor Global HR and related systems.
• Partner with vendors, actuaries, and third-party administrators to resolve discrepancies and process improvements.
• Analyze system data and recommend updates or automation to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years in a lead or technical specialist capacity providing guidance or training to staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans.
• Knowledge of pension-related laws and regulations, including IRS, DOL, and ERISA standards.
• Experience administering self-funded pension plans in a public-sector or unionized environment.
• Advanced knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems (Infor Global HR, Workday, or People Soft preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, RPA, PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP.
• Experience performing audits, reconciliations, and actuarial data submissions.

Baltimore City

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Six years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.
* Three (3) years of experience administering or overseeing defined benefit pension plans in a unionized or public-sector environment.*

• Selective Qualification recruitments are utilized when the position requires specific or additional bona fide occupational qualifications (knowledge, skill, or ability). No substitution is allowed for a selective qualification.

• Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a bachelor's…