The Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS), Harrisburg, PA is seeking an Executive Director. This position serves as secretary to an eleven-member board and as chief executive officer for defined benefit, defined contribution, and deferred compensation plans for over 240,000 active and retired members.
Please apply online at www.employment.pa.gov. Click on the Open Jobs tile, then click on the “Open to Public” link. Filter by department. Select State Employees’ Retirement System. Open the relevant job announcement and click the green Apply button.
Please direct questions to Cheryl Krchnar at 717.599.8591 or ra-erJobsAtSERS@pa.gov.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting workforce diversity.
The Executive Director of the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) serves as Secretary of the Board and as the chief executive officer of the agency chartered to administer the defined benefit, Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 401(a) defined contribution, IRC § 457(b) deferred compensation, and IRC § 415(m) benefit completion plans for state employees with responsibility for the efficient management and evaluation of a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio. The Executive Director oversees a professional, technical, and clerical staff of approximately 225 employees through eight direct reports. SERS services over 101,000 active members and 140,000 retirees and works with 102 public sector employers.
Reports to and serves as the chief administrative agent for, and as Secretary to, an eleven-member Board with responsibility to ensure the execution of the Board’s directives. Responsible for communicating and coordinating with the Board of Trustees including keeping the Board apprised of relevant trends, adverse media, and other matters of criticality. Ensures that the Board is informed regarding SERS assets, financial operations, and member and participant activities.
Oversees, as Secretary of the Board, the coordination of Board activities including Board governance, Board education, Sunshine Act compliance, setting the agenda, preparing and retaining minutes of meetings, and maintaining all necessary documents related to the workings of SERS.
Promotes transparency in agency activities.
Ensures the financial stability and long-term viability of the defined benefit, IRC § 401(a) defined contribution, IRC § 457(b) deferred compensation, and IRC § 415(m) benefit completion plans through making decisions and executing business functions driven by the best interests of members and participants.
Ensures retirement plan assets are properly safeguarded and invested in accordance with Board adopted policies in close collaboration with the Chief Investment Officer.
Works in collaboration with the Chief Investment Officer and investment consultants to ensure the strategic asset allocation aligns with Board objectives and in concert with the legislature with the aim of reaching and maintaining fully funded status.
Advises the legislature and administration on matters relating to current benefit plans, potential impacts of design changes to existing employee benefit plans, and logistics and considerations for the creation of new plans.
Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation and legislative developments affecting SERS and presents findings to the Board, legislative committees, and other interested groups or individuals.
Cultivates relationships with members of the legislature with the aim of building confidence and trust in SERS as a reliable source of information and guidance on retirement administration.
Works with the SERS’ actuary in the development of cost data for legislative proposals.
Oversees the development and execution of a balanced public relations program designed to provide timely and accurate information and achieve maximum public relations effectiveness with members, employers, organizations, and appropriate governmental agencies.
Strives to promote a recognizable brand and messaging for SERS.
Represents SERS to various public and private organizations, including other Commonwealth agencies, the executive and legislative branches of state and federal government, professional organizations, and the active and retired members of SERS.
Provides leadership in planning, developing, and implementing both short- and long-term goals through informal and formal processes such as strategic plan development. Develops and articulates the SERS’ vision and mission and identifies strategic responses to issues facing SERS and its members and participants.
Leads change, innovation, and continuous improvement by communicating strategies which make new approaches both feasible and desirable.
Performs a variety of professional, executive, and managerial duties related to planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the overall management functions of SERS ensuring agency compliance with applicable laws.
Administers the provisions of state and federal statutes and court decisions and develops administrative rules, regulations, and policies for approval and promulgation by the Board.
Oversees the implementation of pension benefit changes enacted by the general assembly.
Oversees the development of the agency’s annual administrative budget. Approves all budget and contract matters for the Board.
Administers information technology systems and all related activities for effective and secure management of SERS.
Participates in national retirement and other benefit industry organizations to stay informed on trends and policy.
Performs the full range of supervisory responsibilities.
Participates in the completion of subordinate work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.
Performs related duties as required.
The Executive Director directs and coordinates the operations of the State Employees’ Retirement System in accordance with the Retirement Code, applicable provisions of law, and polices adopted by the Board. The Executive Director maintains continual contact with members of the Board, investment and actuarial consultants, Commonwealth officials and department heads, employees and their representatives, and other interested agencies and individuals concerning policies and procedures involved in the administration of the retirement system.
Five years of managerial or administrative experience including at least two years of senior leadership in a pension fund; and a bachelor's degree.
Advanced degree and knowledge of defined benefit, IRC § 401(a) defined contribution, and IRC§ 457(b) deferred compensation plans is preferred.
1. Serve as Secretary to the Board
2. Direct and lead the activities of SERS
3. Perform the full range of supervisory functions
4. Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policy, etc.
5. Communicate clearly and effectively both oral and written
6. Maintain effective working relationships
7. Provide advice, guidance, direction, and information to the administration, legislature, Board, stakeholders, etc.
8. Adapt to fluctuating workloads and priorities
9. Operate and use standard office equipment
10. Use job-required software, applications, and websites