Director, Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
City University of New York, New York, New York, us, 10261
Director, Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
POSITION DETAILS
The University Human Resources Office (UHR) at The City University of New York (CUNY) oversees the development and administration of policies and standards that guide the University’s Human Resources functions supporting 26 colleges and schools across the five boroughs of New York City. The University Benefits Office within UHR oversees employee health, welfare and retirement benefits provisions, services, and functions available to CUNY employees and retirees.
The Director of Defined Contribution Retirement Plans, provides leadership, administration, and compliance oversight for CUNY’s defined contribution retirement programs, including the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and the CUNY 403(b) Tax-Deferred Savings Plan. Reporting to the Executive Director of Benefits, the Director oversees plan operations, vendor and investment oversight, regulatory compliance, participant communications, and campus support for these systemwide plans. The position plays a key role in ensuring that the University’s retirement programs operate effectively, accurately, and in compliance with federal and state laws, New York State Education Law, and CUNY policy. The Director collaborates with external vendors, State and City Payroll agencies, CUNY colleges, and University Payroll, to maintain high-quality retirement plan administration across all 26 CUNY campuses.
Exercising substantial independent judgment, responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:.
Oversees the administration of ORP (active and frozen) and 403(b) retirement plans, ensuring accurate eligibility, enrollment, contributions, distributions, and correction processes.
Leads day-to-day operational governance, maintaining plan documents, amendments, SPDs, and establishing standardized procedures, job aids, and administrative practices across the University.
Facilitates relationships with retirement plan vendors, recordkeepers, annuity providers, and investment consultants, monitoring performance, service levels, fees, and participant outcomes.
Ensures full regulatory compliance with the IRS, DOL, ERISA (as applicable), SECURE 2.0, and New York State Education Law, including oversight of nondiscrimination testing, required filings, fiduciary documentation, and annual notices.
Provides guidance to governance and investment oversight committees by preparing investment reviews, fee analyses, operational reports, and participating in RFPs, vendor evaluations, and implementation initiatives.
Directs contribution processing with University and campus payroll offices to ensure timely, accurate remittance and reconciliation of retirement contributions.
Serves as the University’s subject-matter expert on defined contribution plans, providing training, written guidance, and technical assistance to campus HR and Benefits Offices.
Acts as the escalation point for complex participant and operational issues, resolving matters involving vendors, campuses, and University departments.
Supervises and develops professional and support staff, assigning work, evaluating performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Analyzes and reports on retirement plan data, preparing dashboards and presentations for leadership and auditors, identifying operational risks, trends, and opportunities to enhance plan performance and participant engagement.
NOTE: Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum: Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required. Preferred: Knowledge of IRS and DOL regulations, ERISA (as applicable), SECURE 2.0, and NYS Education Law.
Experience with recordkeeping systems, investment menus, retirement plan vendors, or higher education ORP structures.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience preparing executive-level reports.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in a public-sector or unionized environment.
Experience with Workday HCM, specifically Benefits and Payroll modules.
Professional certifications such as CEBS, CPC, QKA, or CRSP.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW Leads the University's development and implementation of employee benefit policies and programs so that they continue to be visible and valued elements of the employee value proposition. Conducts regular analyses of University benefits plan offerings, evaluating cost, usage, and impact, and making recommendations for improvement
Partners with University and College HR, Benefits, and Payroll professionals to discuss design and service issues, provide training on benefits administration, and implement new policies and programs
Manages external vendor relationships
Interprets and implements benefits-related laws, regulations, and University policies
Provides leadership of the University Benefits department, managing professional and administrative staff
Performs related duties as assigned.
CUNY TITLE Higher Education Officer FLSA Exempt COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The salary range is
$122,201 - $155,388
, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience. CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement. CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world. HOW TO APPLY For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined. The direct link to the job opening from external sources is: https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31822&PostingSeq=1 Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings CLOSING DATE March 13, 2026. JOB SEARCH CATEGORY CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer. Job ID:
31822 Location:
Central Office Job Type:
Full-Time
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Leads day-to-day operational governance, maintaining plan documents, amendments, SPDs, and establishing standardized procedures, job aids, and administrative practices across the University.
Facilitates relationships with retirement plan vendors, recordkeepers, annuity providers, and investment consultants, monitoring performance, service levels, fees, and participant outcomes.
Ensures full regulatory compliance with the IRS, DOL, ERISA (as applicable), SECURE 2.0, and New York State Education Law, including oversight of nondiscrimination testing, required filings, fiduciary documentation, and annual notices.
Provides guidance to governance and investment oversight committees by preparing investment reviews, fee analyses, operational reports, and participating in RFPs, vendor evaluations, and implementation initiatives.
Directs contribution processing with University and campus payroll offices to ensure timely, accurate remittance and reconciliation of retirement contributions.
Serves as the University’s subject-matter expert on defined contribution plans, providing training, written guidance, and technical assistance to campus HR and Benefits Offices.
Acts as the escalation point for complex participant and operational issues, resolving matters involving vendors, campuses, and University departments.
Supervises and develops professional and support staff, assigning work, evaluating performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Analyzes and reports on retirement plan data, preparing dashboards and presentations for leadership and auditors, identifying operational risks, trends, and opportunities to enhance plan performance and participant engagement.
NOTE: Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum: Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required. Preferred: Knowledge of IRS and DOL regulations, ERISA (as applicable), SECURE 2.0, and NYS Education Law.
Experience with recordkeeping systems, investment menus, retirement plan vendors, or higher education ORP structures.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience preparing executive-level reports.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in a public-sector or unionized environment.
Experience with Workday HCM, specifically Benefits and Payroll modules.
Professional certifications such as CEBS, CPC, QKA, or CRSP.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW Leads the University's development and implementation of employee benefit policies and programs so that they continue to be visible and valued elements of the employee value proposition. Conducts regular analyses of University benefits plan offerings, evaluating cost, usage, and impact, and making recommendations for improvement
Partners with University and College HR, Benefits, and Payroll professionals to discuss design and service issues, provide training on benefits administration, and implement new policies and programs
Manages external vendor relationships
Interprets and implements benefits-related laws, regulations, and University policies
Provides leadership of the University Benefits department, managing professional and administrative staff
Performs related duties as assigned.
CUNY TITLE Higher Education Officer FLSA Exempt COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The salary range is
$122,201 - $155,388
, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience. CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement. CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world. HOW TO APPLY For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined. The direct link to the job opening from external sources is: https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31822&PostingSeq=1 Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings CLOSING DATE March 13, 2026. JOB SEARCH CATEGORY CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer. Job ID:
31822 Location:
Central Office Job Type:
Full-Time
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