The Retirement Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on Kennedy Krieger’s retirement systems and supports the management and operation of the Institute’s retirement plans. This role supports Human Resources in ensuring retirement benefits are accessible, compliant, and effectively managed. The position works closely with retirement brokers and other external vendors to support efficient planning operations and leads communications and tasks related to 401(k) audits and other compliance requirements.

1. Administer the Institute 401K retirement plan in alignment with plan documents, ERISA requirements, and organizational policies, ensuring ongoing compliance and operational integrity.
2. Ensure accurate retirement plan eligibility, enrollment, and contribution administration by validating eligibility files and partnering with Payroll and Business Solutions to maintain automated ERP rules for contribution limits, catch-up eligibility, and related compliance requirements.
3. Develop and maintain retirement plan reporting and audit processes to monitor IRS thresholds, identify payroll and vendor discrepancies, coordinate corrective actions, and support accurate, compliant plan administration.
4. Partners with the Manager of Benefits and HR leadership to support retirement plan governance by coordinating and actively contributing to committee meetings, including providing analysis, insights, and recommendations to inform strategy and decision-making.
5. Partners with the Benefits team to design and deliver employee-facing communications, engagement strategies, and educational initiatives supporting financial wellness and Keys to Wellness programs to enhance understanding and engagement with retirement benefits.
6. Lead the end-to-end Form 5500 process and oversee compliance-related filings, disclosures, and required participant notices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
7. Monitor and coordinate plan forfeitures with leadership applying timely action and sound judgment to ensure appropriate use in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory standards.
8. Administer the Institute’s frozen pension plan in accordance with plan provisions and regulatory requirements, including annual valuation processes, benefit calculations, plan distributions, reconciliation activities, terminated vested participant lists, and employee education and communication.
9. Administer the Student Debt Program including eligibility file feeds, validation and reconciliation of employee data, and ongoing program analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance. Coordinate vendor payments and funding processes, and partner with payroll, business solutions, and external vendors to resolve discrepancies and maintain data integrity across systems.
10. Deliver and present retirement plan education during New Employee Orientation (NEO) sessions, providing clear overviews of plan features, eligibility, enrollment processes, and employee contribution options.
11. Act as a primary point of contact for plan vendors, recordkeepers, and investment advisors, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring effective plan administration and investment oversight.
12. Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to HR and leadership on retirement-related matters, supporting broader benefits strategy and continuous process improvement
13. Stay abreast of annual IRS contribution and compensation limits as well as administrative and compliance requirements for retirement plans, including 401k, 457, and pension plans.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• CEBS and/or Certified Plan Sponsor (CPSP) preferred.

• Must be able to obtain the CPSP certification within (1) one year of employment.

EDUCATION:
• Associate’s degree in Human resources or related field, required
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, or related field, preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
•3 years of direct retirement plan administration experience required.
•Experience in a high-volume organization supporting a large employee population and substantial retirement plan assets required.
•Healthcare industry experience, or experience in a similar setting, preferred.