Allegheny Careers Details

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

The Director is responsible for administering, planning, and organizing the operations of the Retirement Board of Allegheny County (RBAC). The position oversees the Retirement Office and manages ACERS within the parameters of the governing statute and the policies, procedures, and regulations of the RBAC. The Director is ultimately responsible for the accuracy, quality, and control of all benefits administered by ACERS. The Director serves as the primary contact for the RBAC and ensures that the RBAC receives timely and accurate information.

The Allegheny County Employees’ Retirement System (ACERS) provides current and future benefits to over 12,000 plan participants who are current or former employees of Allegheny County or the Allegheny County Airport Authority. The day-to-day management and benefit administration of ACERS is handled by the “Retirement Office.”

The Retirement Office is located in the County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Retirement Office staff complement is a Director and 4.5 FTEs.

The Director is hired by and reports directly to the Retirement Board of Allegheny County (RBAC). RBAC consists of seven board members and currently has eight (8) regular public meetings per year. The Director has regular and ad hoc touchpoints with the RBAC President between public meetings.

Primary Objectives:

• Manages and administers the operations of the Retirement Office and all functions of the Retirement Board of Allegheny County efficiently.
• Maintains and improves procedures that effectively serve the active employees, retirees, and beneficiaries of ACERS.
• Maintains and improves procedures that effectively coordinate with the employer (Allegheny County and the Allegheny County Airport Authority) to ensure timely and accurate exchange of information necessary to determine and administer retirement benefits.
• Ensures that RBAC directives and requests are implemented.

 Board Support & Leadership

• Oversees and coordinates all scheduling and arrangements for meetings of the RBAC, meetings of committees or subcommittees, informational sessions, and other functions of the RBAC. 
• On-boards all new Board members with one-on-one meetings to bring them up to speed on the processes, history, etc.
• Prepares a monthly report for the RBAC, indicating the monthly activity of the organization, financial reports, and other updates.
• Develops, finalizes, and distributes the agenda and materials for each board meeting, which include retirements, applications, prior board minutes/transcripts, disability recommendations, monthly financial statements, reports (actuarial, investment advisor, solicitor), and other materials required for Board review or approvals.
• Attends and presents a report at each board meeting.
• Develops and submits an annual budget to the RBAC.

 Retirement Office

• Supervises all employees of the RBAC, which includes the hiring process, performance reviews, compensation, benefits, and discipline.
• Recommends and implements all employment-related policies required by law and the Board’s policies and procedures.
• Monitors the daily activity of staff ensuring a high quality of responsiveness to members of the retirement system and to ensure Board policies and procedures are followed.
• Promotes a team effort to support/accomplish the RBAC goals and objectives
• Oversees the administration of retirement benefits and all related functions, including activities relating to accounting, financial, legal, information systems, and reporting.
• Maintains a high degree of accountability with respect to all aspects of benefits administration, including applications for a benefit or refund of contributions, benefit calculations, retirements, monthly benefit payments, disability, survivorship, domestic relations orders, purchase of service time (prior employment, military), local agency appeals, member and benefits data, information systems (portal, website), record retention, life insurance, audits, and all related functions.
• Maintains and oversees outreach to members for retirement education through presentations (including new hire orientations), retirement webinars, seminars, effective use of the website, portal and similar activities.
• Oversees and implements the approved annual budget.
• Prepares RFPs and administers the RFP process, as directed by the RBAC.
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting to the IRS, which includes forms 941, 945 and 1099 (preparation, reconciliation and transmission).
• Accounts for all revenues and expenses of RBAC.
• Prepares, publishes, and distributes the Annual Report for the RBAC.
• Coordinates and monitors the implementation of software programs and upgrades.
• Serves as the Right to Know Officer for the RBAC, which requires timely responses to all requests.
• Maintains ongoing communications with the Allegheny County Retirees Association, which includes the exchange of information regarding retirements, member deaths, and an annual update.
• Manages the approval and payment of monthly invoices.
• Monitors capital calls and reports monthly on the same to the RBAC.
• Coordinates with the consultants and recommends policies, procedures, or changes for each designated area of responsibility of the RBAC and monitors compliance with adopted policies.
• Monitors and tracks all contracts of the RBAC. Distributes the annual Statement of Financial Interests required by the State Ethics Commissions and monitors the return of completed forms to ensure compliance.
• Oversees and monitors the Board’s consultants and service providers, which include actuaries, auditors, custodians, investment advisors, investment managers, solicitors, and any other person or entity providing professional services to the RBAC.
• Maintains ongoing dialogue with the financial consultant, actuary, and solicitor regarding pending reports, board inquiries, and any issues of concern. 
• Ensures the processing of all paperwork relating to investment advisor agreements, limited partnership agreements, tax reclaim forms, class action proceedings, etc.
• Oversees and monitors the RBAC website, which includes the timely posting of board meeting information, reports, and other materials.
• Coordinates and works with the actuary, investment advisor, investment managers, solicitor, and other consultants to ensure compliance with RBAC procedures and policies, and to develop recommendations as needed or to achieve improvements.
• Ensures compliance with the Sunshine Act through timely postings for all meetings and required notices.
• Performs related tasks and duties associated with the above and those assigned by the RBAC.

• Retirement contributions, pensions, benefits, etc.
• Government policies and procedures.

• Microsoft Office Suite 

• Work in a position that is mostly sedentary.
• Travel locally and occasionally out of town.
• Attend meetings out of the office as required.
• Read, process, analyze, and communicate high-level written documentation, including the analysis of complex financial information on a regular basis.