"Retirement Specialist"

Job Description

Retirement Specialist
Bowling Green State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: President's Office
Opening Date: 10/14/2025
Location: Main Campus (BG), OH
Job Number: BGSU01136
Department: President's Office
Closing: Continuous

Summary

The Retirement Specialist is the lead resource responsible for the comprehensive administration and compliance of all Bowling Green State University employee retirement plans. This includes managing state retirement plans (STRS, OPERS, and the Alternative Retirement Plan) and multiple voluntary retirement savings plans. This role ensures the program meets all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements while effectively serving the needs of the University and its employees. The Retirement Specialist acts as the lead resource and central point of contact for all plan monitoring, vendor relationships, and compliance assurance.

Essential Functions

Plan Administration

• Process new full-time and part-time staff eligibility and Certification of Final Payroll dates within the OPERS and STRS systems
• Administer Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) elections by accurately entering data into multiple systems
• Administer the BGSU 415(m) program, managing the enrollment and transition of eligible ARP members as necessary
• Review and approve retirement distributions and rollovers

Compliance & Reporting

• Manage retirement administration activities to ensure strict adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local government regulations, including evolving guidance.
• Proactively monitor annual compliance limits for each plan, reviewing and tracking all employee and employer contributions.
• Prepare and accurately submit all required reports and compliance filings within mandated deadlines.
• Stay current with evolving regulatory changes and industry best practices to assess compliance risks and recommend necessary program adjustments.

Stakeholder Relations & Documentation

• Serve as the primary point of contact to resolve participant and vendor issues promptly and effectively.
• Foster positive working relationships with all retirement vendors, working directly with them on data validation, error resolutions, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain and update the HR Retirement webpage and all employee communication materials.
• Document and maintain up-to-date procedures for all Retirement Administration functions within HR.
• Attend all meetings of the Advisory Retirement Plan Committee as a non-voting participant.

Data Integrity & Systems Management

• Monitor the data integration between BGSU internal systems and third-party retirement vendor platforms, ensuring secure and efficient data exchange.
• Conduct regular, per-pay-period audits of retirement plan contributions to confirm accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with the payroll department to request, process, and document necessary corrections, including refunds or missed earning calculations.

Team Support

• Work in tandem with the broader benefits team to assist with backup and coverage during high-volume periods or staff absences.
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred and Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor's Degree. Degree must be conferred at time of application.

The following Experience is required:

• 3 years of experience in Human Resources
• 1 year of experience in benefits and/or retirement

The following Experience is preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or finance
• Direct experience in retirement plan administration with a focus on vendor coordination, budgeting, or compliance

Application Details

Required Documents to Upload to Application: Cover Letter and Resume

Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by October 29, 2025.

BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu/jobs/5111412/retirement-specialist