Retirement and Pension Specialist

Position Overview

Retirement and Pension Specialist

• Position Type:
  Payroll / Payroll
• Date Posted: 4/24/2026
• Location:
  
  Payroll
• Date Available:
  
  ASAP

• Conduct individual retirement counseling sessions for employees.
• Calculate and process district‑paid retirement incentives, bonuses, and enhancements.
• Coordinate and deliver retirement education sessions and informational materials.
• Maintain and update employee enrollment, termination, and status changes within IMRF and TRS systems.
• Analyze, audit, and manage pension‑related data within the payroll system.
• Process employer retirements within the payroll system and ensure accurate final pay and benefit handling.
• Audit IMRF and TRS records to ensure proper classification, eligibility, and compliance.
• Collaborate across Human Resources, Benefits, and Payroll departments to manage retirement, insurance benefits, and pension programs accurately.
• Coordinate 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans with third‑party administrator (TPA) and employees.
• Process and reconcile all 403(b), 457(b), SSP, and VAC payroll deductions and remittances.
• Process and track all 403(b) and 457(b) withdrawal requests, ensuring timely handling and coordination with both legacy and current vendors.
• Manage data file transfers to TPA and coordinate timely funding with Financial Services.
• Prepare and analyze reports to support compliance, audits, and strategic planning.
• Assist with retirement recognition programs and related events.
• Administer enrollment, billing, and life insurance programs for the Association of Elgin School Administrators (AESA).
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to retirement and payroll.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of five years’ experience in Human Resources, Payroll, or Financial Services.
• Experience administering public sector retirement systems strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., Munis, Skyward, or similar platforms).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP) and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Understanding of payroll processes, including pre‑ and post‑tax deductions.
• Knowledge of Illinois public pension systems, including TRS and IMRF.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects through completion.

• Ability to work on a computer for a major portion of the workday.
• Ability to lift or move 25 pounds.

• This is a 12‑month position. Salary and benefits are established by the Board of Education.
• The salary range for this position is $54,752.00 – $82,139.00. Our typical practice is to hire between the minimum and midpoint $68,446.00.
• Benefit / Pension eligible, see attachment.