Sys Director Retirement Plans

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE 

This role is responsible for the overall management of system-wide retirement benefits plans, which include: active and frozen defined benefit plans (with FAP and cash balance formulas), defined contribution plans [403(b), 401(k), 457(b)], and retiree medical plans. This position collaborates with national leadership groups and regional leadership to deliver a retirement benefit strategy that aligns with the direction of CommonSpirit Health’s (CSH) business objectives and regional needs. This position is responsible for ensuring that proper governance is maintained and followed in all facets of retirement plan administration, including oversight of third-party partners. 

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Strategic Direction - Collaborates with national leadership groups, regional leadership, and HR team members to ensure the direction of benefit strategy aligns with future CSH business objectives and regional needs. Represents the benefits team and/or VP, Rewards and Benefits Strategy, by presenting benefit plan strategies, design, and cost to CSH and regional leadership. Defines metrics to monitor the success/effectiveness of implemented retirement plan strategy components and makes recommendations for adjustments as necessary. 

2. Cost Management - Oversees the work of the plan actuary and service providers. Facilitates reporting to leadership groups, including board committees, on the financial performance and funded status of retirement plans. Works in close partnership with Total Rewards leadership, Treasury, and Finance partners. 

3. External Partner Management - Manages relationships with external partners including actuaries, consultants, and plan vendors, encompassing contract negotiations, plan administration, and customer service; sets expectations and monitors their performance. 

4. Internal Partner Management - Coordinates with the CSH People Connections Team to establish and monitor key operations/vendor service validations. Provides support for collective bargaining and contract administration activities. 

5. Governance - Participates in and/or leads various committees whose decisions impact benefits, such as the Retirement Plan Investment Committee and the Employee Benefits Administration Committee.

6. Compliance - Directs ongoing plan administration, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as plan audits, government reporting, participant-required communications, and discrimination testing 

requirements. Advises benefits staff and Regional HR staff on legal and compliance issues and acts as a subject matter expert, working closely with benefits legal counsel. 

7. Mergers and Acquisitions - Leads the integration of newly affiliated organizations or new business lines into retirement plans and oversees the transition of benefit programs divesting from CommonSpirit.

8. Communications/Engagement - In partnership with Total Rewards communications and the VP of Rewards and Benefits Strategy, oversees the development of an employee retirement communications/education strategy, including defining metrics that will monitor the success/effectiveness of implemented strategy components. 9. Managerial/Staff Development – Mentors, develops, and supervises retirement staff (managers and analysts). 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Education and Experience
Eight to ten years of experience in managing employee benefit plans for a large, multi-site employer or related field. Minimum of five (5) years of management experience. Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and/or additional job related experience in lieu of the degree. Graduate degree preferred

Required Licensure and Certifications 
CEBS certification preferred

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training
Knowledge of retirement plans, associated processes, issues and considerations; in-depth expertise in retirement plans development, design, implementation and administration and cost control. Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. 

Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization. 

Understanding of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning and ability to apply organizational acumen to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization. 

Knowledge of the concepts, tools and techniques for effective listening and communicating; ability to apply these theories to receive, transmit and accurately interpret information and ideas to influence others in various situations.