Pension Benefits Functional Specialist

Pension Benefits Functional Specialist Location Hybrid remote in New Brunswick, NJ :

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Pension Benefits Functional Specialist Job Category Staff & Executive - Human Resources Department UHR - Benefits & Wellness Overview Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2025 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. University Human Resources (UHR) supports the Rutgers mission as an institution of prominence, preeminent in research, teaching, service, and clinical care. We strive to provide the highest level of customer service in delivering a comprehensive network of programs, services, and expertise to attract, retain, and develop diverse and highly skilled top talent. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking two Pension Benefits Functional Specialists for the Benefits and Wellness team within the department of University Human Resources. his position reports to the Assistant Director of Benefits and Wellness and is responsible for consistently delivering best in class benefit related services to the Rutgers community. The position will deploy specialized knowledge to administer defined benefits, defined contribution, and voluntary savings plans. Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• University Human Resources, subject matter expert for administrative functions tied to the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans as well as the voluntary savings plans offered.
• Liaises with OneSource, Payroll Services, HRIT, the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB) and pension and savings vendors.
• Responsible for vendor coordination of enrollment activity which involves research and reporting to support University & vendor reconciliations, and depositing/returning funds as needed.
• Researches and responds to complex inquiries from NJDPB.
• Advises OneSource customer service and enrollment representatives (either in person or via email) on the resolution of complex pension and savings related inquiries.
• Acts as the employer representative in response to requests from internal and external audits as well as union grievances and arbitrations for members. Perform required research and prepare documentation; appear and/ or testify as necessary.
• Serves as a point of contact for escalations relating to vendor file errors.
• Performs defined benefit contribution calculations monthly and send payment to the NJDPB in accordance with State deadlines. Process payments for employer liabilities.
• Performs audits to ensure plan compliance and communicate corrective actions to be taken by appropriate departments.
• Reviews monthly defined benefit program retirements to certify and ensure accurate service time and final salaries.
• Responsible for the Deferred Compensation (457) plan file upload, review, and reconciliation with payroll records.
• Reviews and reconciles quarterly contribution reports (member pension, life, loans and purchase).
• Processes and submits monthly and quarterly wire payments. Coordinate with HRIT regarding manual adjustments to quarterly report and create and submit check requests where needed.
• Ensures retirement transactional services are delivered in a consistent and timely manner in accordance with payroll and State deadlines.
• Participates in creating and updating the knowledge management system for use by employee self-service as well as customer service representatives for benefits enrollments and related topics.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities, leading practices and innovative approaches and tools to increase efficiencies and cost effectiveness across end-to-end UHR retirement processes.
• Ensures all relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled.
• Documents and updates pension and savings plan processes and procedures.
• Participates in and support ongoing training and development initiatives.
• Creates, fosters, and maintains a collaborative, innovative, customer-focused team culture.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Work Arrangement Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at . FLSA Nonexempt Grade 03 Position Salary Annual Minimum Salary 50435.000 Annual Mid Range Salary 63836.500 Annual Maximum Salary 77238.000 Standard Hours 37.50 Union Description Administrators Confidential Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to Rutgers also offers a benefit program to eligible full-time postdoctoral fellow students. For details, please go to Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABP Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Benefits enrollments or related area.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Benefits enrollment and related processes, policies, and practices.
• Ability to accurately prepare detailed, technical, and confidential benefits and payroll deduction transactions.
• Knowledge of HRIS software.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to understand HR terminology/concepts, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Must possess a positive, team-oriented approach to service delivery.
• Must be able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing benefits enrollments, preferably in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program.
• Experience in the administration of defined benefit and contribution retirement plans.
• Knowledge of case management and tracking software.
• 3-5 years prior experience working with defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans.

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Special Conditions Posting Details Posting Number 23ST2885 Posting Open Date 10/24/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees, Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.