Chief Benefits Officer

At the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS), we are committed to serving the people who serve North Dakota. Our work impacts thousands of public employees, retirees, and their families. We manage the benefits that ensure peace of mind, security, and dignity in public service-and we do it with transparency, excellence, and care.

Join us in a pivotal leadership role as Chief Benefits Officer. This meaningful opportunity is a chance to serve the public, shape policy, and lead with purpose.

The Chief Benefits Officer is a senior executive responsible for the strategic oversight, policy direction, and operational excellence of NDPERS benefit plans and services. As the Chief Benefits Officer, you will guide the agency in fulfilling its mission, oversee the administration of statewide insurance and retirement programs, and lead innovation in benefit administration. If you are a proven leader who believes in the power of public service, we invite you to bring your expertise, heart, and vision to NDPERS.

What You'll Do

As Chief Benefits Officer, you will:

Lead Insurance and Retirement Plan Administration

• Oversee the Benefits (Insurance and Retirement Plans) and Public Information Divisions, ensuring alignment with NDPERS mission and state law.
• Guide benefit plan design, delivery, and member communication.
• Oversee appeals, legislative analysis, vendor contracts, and participate in development of the agency's business continuity plan.

Drive Strategic Executive Leadership

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chief Operating & Finance Officer and NDPERS Board to shape and implement strategic vision and policy.
• Represent NDPERS at legislative and committee hearings and provide testimony.
• Represent NDPERS to executive agencies, public and private organizations, political subdivisions, members, member-constituency groups, and employers.
• Provide strategic direction to staff to ensure fulfillment of the goals and objectives of the agency.
• Lead and develop team members while promoting a culture of performance, accountability, and service excellence.

Ensure Fiscal Stewardship

• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act.
• Guide budget preparation, monitor financial performance, and oversee vendor contracting and management

What We're Looking For

We seek a mission-driven, strategic leader with:

• Proven experience in employee benefits, public administration, or retirement systems.
• Strong understanding of state and federal benefit laws and regulations.
• A commitment to integrity, excellence, and public service.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• A track record of innovation, policy development, and high-level management.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's or master's degree in education, business administration, human resources, law, public administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) + years of progressively responsible experience in benefit administration, human resources, program management, or public administration, including at least one (1) year of benefits management experience and in leading and managing teams.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in administering insurance or retirement plans, overseeing budgets, working with regulatory bodies, professional certifications (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or other related credentials, and other relevant areas.

Compensation & Location

Location: This role is based onsite at our office location in Bismarck, ND

Hiring Range: $110,000 - $144,000/annually commensurate with experience

What We Offer

This is more than an executive role. At NDPERS, you will be part of a mission-driven team where your leadership will shape the benefits of thousands of public servants across the state. Here you will have the opportunity to:

• Impact Lives: Influence the benefits and futures of thousands of public servants.
• Lead Change: Be at the forefront of modernization, accountability, and innovation.
• Serve North Dakota: Support the mission of building a resilient, effective public workforce.
• Join a Purpose-Driven Team: Collaborate with dedicated professionals who care deeply about service and stewardship

Learn more about our mission and vision at www.ndpers.nd.gov.

Application Procedures

Apply online on our Careers website at www.nd.gov/careers. Applicants must submit a completed online application, resume, and cover letter by 11:59 pm CST of the closing date to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. NDPERS does not provide visa sponsorships.

Require successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and a credit check. Additionally, a criminal history record check, including fingerprinting, will be conducted on the successful candidate prior to hiring per NDCC 12-60-24.

Please contact Rebecca Fricke, NDPERS Executive Director, at rfricke@nd.gov for questions about the role or Hope Wedul at (701) 328-3357 or hwedul@nd.gov if you need an accommodation or assistance in the application process.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701)328-3290.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.