Los Angeles Metro
DIRECTOR, PENSION AND BENEFITS
Los Angeles Metro, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Salary:
$120,993.60 - $181,459.20 Annually
Location :
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type:
Regular Employee
Job Number:
2400093
Cabinet:
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICE
Cost Center:
5211 - PENSION & BENEFITS
Opening Date:
09/25/2024
Closing Date:
Continuous
FLSA:
Exempt
Bargaining Unit:
Non-Contract
Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.Description
Plans, directs, and manages the activities of Metro's pension plans and benefits programs to provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance, and serves as the Trust Fund Administrator for the Metropolitan Transit Authority - Amalgamated Transit Union (MTA-ATU) Health and Welfare Fund.
Examples of Duties
Develops strategies, goals, and policies related to providing a comprehensive package of health and welfare benefitsProvides direction on negotiation of annual plan rate renewals and services of all plansDirects administration of benefit plans for non-contract, AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), Teamster, and ATU employees and retireesServes as Pension Administrator for the agency's self-administered defined benefit plansDirects administration of the deferred compensation programs, such as 401K, 457, and Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA)Provides recommendations and support to respective Pension Plan Administrative Committees, Deferred Compensation Committee, and the MTA-ATU Health and Welfare Board; advises senior management and prepares reports/presentations for Metro's Board of Directors as required for approval of annual health and welfare plan renewals and other projects, as requiredDirects Pension and Benefits staff in day to day activities, projects, and programs, which include establishing eligibility and enrollment criteria in applicable pension plans, providing retirement counselling, reviewing and processing retirement applications, processing disbursement of pension benefits, educating employees about health benefits, assisting employees with enrollment, acting as a liaison and advocate for employees and retirees with insurance coverage, analyzing eligibility, transmitting data to health plan vendors and union Health and Welfare Trusts Funds, overseeing the annual open enrollment process, and developing employee communicationsInterprets and applies complex regulatory provisions related to pension and benefit plans; ensures and maintains regulatory compliance of pension and benefit plansParticipates in the annual actuarial valuation of various retirement income plans; provides data and responses to the plans' actuariesDirects the bi-annual audits of monthly pension recipients and disability pension recipients; directs the annual audit of Medicare Part B recipientsProvides direction to staff assigned to the Unemployment Insurance Program and represents Metro at hearings before Administrative Law Judges and the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals BoardDevelops and manages departmental budget and non-departmental fringe benefit budgetsApproves all payments made from the retirement income plansInterprets and applies provisions of the collective bargaining agreements; provides recommendations and support to Employee and Labor Relations as a subject matter expert regarding pension and benefits articles in collective bargaining agreementsDevelops, tests, and implements enhancements to computer systems in conjunction with Information Technology Systems (ITS) personnelDirects development of educational programs related to financial planning, retirement, and employee benefitsEstablishes and implements policies and procedures governing Pension and Benefits functionsGuides and directs staff with a focus on customer service and consistent application of policies and proceduresManages the procurement and ongoing activity of multiple consulting and administrative contracts, performs contract selection, and directs consultant and vendor projects/activitiesConsults with and advises outside attorneys and other legal representatives on pension joinders and division of benefits; provides pre-approval before documents are filed with the courtsRepresents department at meetings, conferences, and public eventsConducts special studies, as requiredSupervises, trains, mentors, motivates, and sets goals for assigned staffCommunicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employeesContributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried outMay be required to perform other related job duties
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related fieldExperience
Five years of relevant management-level experience administering pension and benefits programs; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignmentCertifications/Licenses
/Special Requirements
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functionsEssential Knowledge
Knowledge of
(defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)
Theories, principles, and practices of pension, benefits, and unemployment insurance benefits administrationBudget, contracts, and related policies and practicesBudget preparation and variance analysisApplicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing pension and benefits administration for a public sector agencyModern management theory and principlesSkill in
(defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)
Directing operations of large-scale and complex pension and benefits plans and programsCompiling, analyzing, and interpreting complex dataHandling highly sensitive and confidential informationDeveloping and implementing strategies for meeting goals and objectivesEstablishing and implementing policies and proceduresAnalyzing situations, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomesExercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisionsCommunicating effectively orally and in writingInteracting professionally with various levels of Metro employees, former employees, and outside representativesPreparing comprehensive reports, presentations, and correspondenceSupervising, training, mentoring, and motivating assigned staffAbility to
(defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)
Disseminate information and resolve issuesThink creatively and act independentlyUnderstand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreementsPlan financial and staffing needsRead, write, speak, and understand EnglishSpecial Conditions
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions
Typical office situationClose exposure to computer monitors and video screenPhysical Effort Required
Sitting at a desk or table
Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
Communicating through speech in the English language required
(HT)
Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with hiring practices.
Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:
METRO Headquarters, Employment OfficeOne Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012
Telephone:
(213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.
All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
*Open to the public and all Metro employees
This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
*Please refer to the applicable benefit type (Regular or Temporary)*
BENEFITS FOR REGULAR EMPLOYEES
Benefits cover probationary or regular full-time (working at least 40 hrs/week) employees of Metro.
We offer a range of high-quality medical, dental and vision plan options as well as health care spending accounts for you and your family. Metro will cover a significant portion of your health care premiums.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plan
- Employee has the choice of 3 separate medical plans and 3 dental plans. A separate vision plan is included in each medical plan.
Group Life Insurance
- PTSC pays for an amount equal to your annual salary, rounded up to the nearest $1,000. Minimum amount of life insurance is $30,000.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- PTSC provides $50,000 coverage for each employee. Additional voluntary coverage in amounts up to $500,000 is available at favorable premium rates.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 100% employer paid. Provides employees with a minimum income of 60% of earnings after six months of disability. Buy up or buy down options available.
Holidays
- 12 days a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Cesar E Chavez, Juneteenth,Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Time off with Pay (TOWP)
- Compensates employees who are on approved absence from work for reasons such as illness, injury, medical and dental appointments, personal business, vacation, or observance of (a) religious holiday.Years of Service Annual AccrualHire date - 5 years 20 daysBeginning of 6th - 10th year 25 daysBeginning of 11th - 15th year 30 daysBeginning of 16th + years 35 days
Pension Plan
- PTSC retirement plan is the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Vesting is five (5) years. Minimum retirement age is 52, based on the 2% at 62 formula.
Other Benefits : Transportation passes for employees and/or eligible dependents; Medicare; Tuition reimbursement; credit union membership; SDI; Deferred Compensation Plan; 401(K) Thrift plan; EAP; Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Flexible work schedules; and Jury Duty Pay.
BENEFITS FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES
Temporary (Contingent) employees are eligible for the following benefits only:
Kaiser medical insurancePublic Pension Plan457/401K PlanFlex SpendingPaid Sick TimeFare MediaRideshare SubsidiesMetro One Fitness membershipFor more information on the Benefits Enrollment for Contingent Employees, please visit LA Metro's Pension & Benefits website at
01
Do you possess a valid Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one before an offer of employment?
YesNo
02
Please acknowledge that the following responses will be used to supplement and expand on the Work Experience section of your application. It is important to provide detailed answers anddo not refer to or rely on a resume or other documentation as we will not review resumes to determine qualifications. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as accurate as possible. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
Yes, I agree and understand my resume will not be reviewed
03
Please select the number of years of relevant management-level experience you have in administering pension and benefits programs.
No management-level experienceLess than 5 years5 years or more, but fewer than 7 years7 years or more, but fewer than 9 years9 years or more years
04
If you indicated having management level experience in the previous question, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."
05
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
I do not have education equivalent to grade 12High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)Associate degree from an accredited college or universityBachelor's degree from an accredited college or universityMaster's degree from an accredited college or universityPhD from an accredited college or university
Required Question
$120,993.60 - $181,459.20 Annually
Location :
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type:
Regular Employee
Job Number:
2400093
Cabinet:
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICE
Cost Center:
5211 - PENSION & BENEFITS
Opening Date:
09/25/2024
Closing Date:
Continuous
FLSA:
Exempt
Bargaining Unit:
Non-Contract
Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.Description
Plans, directs, and manages the activities of Metro's pension plans and benefits programs to provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance, and serves as the Trust Fund Administrator for the Metropolitan Transit Authority - Amalgamated Transit Union (MTA-ATU) Health and Welfare Fund.
Examples of Duties
Develops strategies, goals, and policies related to providing a comprehensive package of health and welfare benefitsProvides direction on negotiation of annual plan rate renewals and services of all plansDirects administration of benefit plans for non-contract, AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), Teamster, and ATU employees and retireesServes as Pension Administrator for the agency's self-administered defined benefit plansDirects administration of the deferred compensation programs, such as 401K, 457, and Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA)Provides recommendations and support to respective Pension Plan Administrative Committees, Deferred Compensation Committee, and the MTA-ATU Health and Welfare Board; advises senior management and prepares reports/presentations for Metro's Board of Directors as required for approval of annual health and welfare plan renewals and other projects, as requiredDirects Pension and Benefits staff in day to day activities, projects, and programs, which include establishing eligibility and enrollment criteria in applicable pension plans, providing retirement counselling, reviewing and processing retirement applications, processing disbursement of pension benefits, educating employees about health benefits, assisting employees with enrollment, acting as a liaison and advocate for employees and retirees with insurance coverage, analyzing eligibility, transmitting data to health plan vendors and union Health and Welfare Trusts Funds, overseeing the annual open enrollment process, and developing employee communicationsInterprets and applies complex regulatory provisions related to pension and benefit plans; ensures and maintains regulatory compliance of pension and benefit plansParticipates in the annual actuarial valuation of various retirement income plans; provides data and responses to the plans' actuariesDirects the bi-annual audits of monthly pension recipients and disability pension recipients; directs the annual audit of Medicare Part B recipientsProvides direction to staff assigned to the Unemployment Insurance Program and represents Metro at hearings before Administrative Law Judges and the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals BoardDevelops and manages departmental budget and non-departmental fringe benefit budgetsApproves all payments made from the retirement income plansInterprets and applies provisions of the collective bargaining agreements; provides recommendations and support to Employee and Labor Relations as a subject matter expert regarding pension and benefits articles in collective bargaining agreementsDevelops, tests, and implements enhancements to computer systems in conjunction with Information Technology Systems (ITS) personnelDirects development of educational programs related to financial planning, retirement, and employee benefitsEstablishes and implements policies and procedures governing Pension and Benefits functionsGuides and directs staff with a focus on customer service and consistent application of policies and proceduresManages the procurement and ongoing activity of multiple consulting and administrative contracts, performs contract selection, and directs consultant and vendor projects/activitiesConsults with and advises outside attorneys and other legal representatives on pension joinders and division of benefits; provides pre-approval before documents are filed with the courtsRepresents department at meetings, conferences, and public eventsConducts special studies, as requiredSupervises, trains, mentors, motivates, and sets goals for assigned staffCommunicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employeesContributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried outMay be required to perform other related job duties
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related fieldExperience
Five years of relevant management-level experience administering pension and benefits programs; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignmentCertifications/Licenses
/Special Requirements
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functionsEssential Knowledge
Knowledge of
(defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)
Theories, principles, and practices of pension, benefits, and unemployment insurance benefits administrationBudget, contracts, and related policies and practicesBudget preparation and variance analysisApplicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing pension and benefits administration for a public sector agencyModern management theory and principlesSkill in
(defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)
Directing operations of large-scale and complex pension and benefits plans and programsCompiling, analyzing, and interpreting complex dataHandling highly sensitive and confidential informationDeveloping and implementing strategies for meeting goals and objectivesEstablishing and implementing policies and proceduresAnalyzing situations, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomesExercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisionsCommunicating effectively orally and in writingInteracting professionally with various levels of Metro employees, former employees, and outside representativesPreparing comprehensive reports, presentations, and correspondenceSupervising, training, mentoring, and motivating assigned staffAbility to
(defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)
Disseminate information and resolve issuesThink creatively and act independentlyUnderstand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreementsPlan financial and staffing needsRead, write, speak, and understand EnglishSpecial Conditions
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions
Typical office situationClose exposure to computer monitors and video screenPhysical Effort Required
Sitting at a desk or table
Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
Communicating through speech in the English language required
(HT)
Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with hiring practices.
Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:
METRO Headquarters, Employment OfficeOne Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012
Telephone:
(213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.
All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
*Open to the public and all Metro employees
This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
*Please refer to the applicable benefit type (Regular or Temporary)*
BENEFITS FOR REGULAR EMPLOYEES
Benefits cover probationary or regular full-time (working at least 40 hrs/week) employees of Metro.
We offer a range of high-quality medical, dental and vision plan options as well as health care spending accounts for you and your family. Metro will cover a significant portion of your health care premiums.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plan
- Employee has the choice of 3 separate medical plans and 3 dental plans. A separate vision plan is included in each medical plan.
Group Life Insurance
- PTSC pays for an amount equal to your annual salary, rounded up to the nearest $1,000. Minimum amount of life insurance is $30,000.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- PTSC provides $50,000 coverage for each employee. Additional voluntary coverage in amounts up to $500,000 is available at favorable premium rates.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 100% employer paid. Provides employees with a minimum income of 60% of earnings after six months of disability. Buy up or buy down options available.
Holidays
- 12 days a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Cesar E Chavez, Juneteenth,Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Time off with Pay (TOWP)
- Compensates employees who are on approved absence from work for reasons such as illness, injury, medical and dental appointments, personal business, vacation, or observance of (a) religious holiday.Years of Service Annual AccrualHire date - 5 years 20 daysBeginning of 6th - 10th year 25 daysBeginning of 11th - 15th year 30 daysBeginning of 16th + years 35 days
Pension Plan
- PTSC retirement plan is the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Vesting is five (5) years. Minimum retirement age is 52, based on the 2% at 62 formula.
Other Benefits : Transportation passes for employees and/or eligible dependents; Medicare; Tuition reimbursement; credit union membership; SDI; Deferred Compensation Plan; 401(K) Thrift plan; EAP; Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Flexible work schedules; and Jury Duty Pay.
BENEFITS FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES
Temporary (Contingent) employees are eligible for the following benefits only:
Kaiser medical insurancePublic Pension Plan457/401K PlanFlex SpendingPaid Sick TimeFare MediaRideshare SubsidiesMetro One Fitness membershipFor more information on the Benefits Enrollment for Contingent Employees, please visit LA Metro's Pension & Benefits website at
01
Do you possess a valid Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one before an offer of employment?
YesNo
02
Please acknowledge that the following responses will be used to supplement and expand on the Work Experience section of your application. It is important to provide detailed answers anddo not refer to or rely on a resume or other documentation as we will not review resumes to determine qualifications. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as accurate as possible. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
Yes, I agree and understand my resume will not be reviewed
03
Please select the number of years of relevant management-level experience you have in administering pension and benefits programs.
No management-level experienceLess than 5 years5 years or more, but fewer than 7 years7 years or more, but fewer than 9 years9 years or more years
04
If you indicated having management level experience in the previous question, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."
05
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
I do not have education equivalent to grade 12High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)Associate degree from an accredited college or universityBachelor's degree from an accredited college or universityMaster's degree from an accredited college or universityPhD from an accredited college or university
Required Question