Pension Specialist 3

MLGW is the nation’s largest three-service municipal utility, serving over 440,000 customers representing diverse backgrounds. Since 1939, MLGW has met the utility needs of Memphis and Shelby County residents by delivering reliable and affordable electricity, natural gas, and water service. We provide a full range of customer-oriented services, including a major role in the economic development for our customers.

MLGW recognizes that our greatest assets are our employees and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing opportunities for career growth, training, and development. MLGW offers competitive benefits including PTO, pension and 457B retirement plan. We are dedicated to corporate social responsibility through community volunteerism and giving.

MLGW is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. No information obtained in this application is intended to be used for such discrimination.

The essential job responsibilities of the Pension Specialist 3 will report to the Supervisor. Calculate and communicate provisions of the Division Employee Benefits Program to active and retired employees; and interpret provisions of Pension Resolution. Calculate retirement/ survivor benefits and lump sum distributions; calculate/ verify employee length of service. Communicate provisions of all retiree programs including retirement/ survivor benefits and deferred compensation; prepare various benefit publications, articles and newsletters which include providing all communications on open enrollment and coordinating/ reviewing/ distributing information for the Annual Benefits Report. Notify appropriate Division personnel/ departments and active/ retired employees of retirement benefit changes; update personnel policies, plan documents/ resolutions and handbooks on changes pertaining to pension. Conduct focus group meetings, employee orientations, seminars, and individual counseling sessions with employees/ retirees; schedule meetings/ appointments with customers and assist walk-in customers; coordinate scheduling of deferred compensation informational meetings; perform pre-retirement counseling. Coordinate activities of the pension election and prepare/ distribute Pension Board minutes. Make active payroll/ deferred compensation changes and reconcile deductions; process retirement payroll; reconcile payroll amounts/ transmit data to financial institutions; assist with bank reconciliation; and prepare various paperwork including tax forms. Review mandated legislative matters and determined impact to the Division; provide information and assistance for actuarial studies: obtain legal opinions and notify appropriate personnel of change in laws; respond to subpoenas; and may make court appearances. Plan/ coordinate retiree activities/ functions; attend retiree meetings; provide referral services for the elderly; coordinate implementation of new retirement programs and make recommendations. Stay abreast and recommend various technological changes/ systems concerning retirement benefits; update/ review contracts with outside vendors. Work on special projects and prepare requests for proposals, surveys, and related information. Perform other duties as directed.

Qualification Requirements:
To perform the Pension Specialist 3 role, you must: must: -Professional certification which includes CEBS or CFP preferred and one (1) additional year of professional level experience in another area of Human Resources or Risk Management. -Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. -Have four (4) years of experience in Benefits Administration. -Experience with defined benefit or defined contribution plans strongly preferred. -Must have knowledge of various retirement design programs. -Must have two (2) years of experience as a Pension Specialist 2. -The education and experience requirements vary depending on departmental needs. -Must have a valid driver's license from state of residence.
Physical Working Conditions:
Subject to occasional standing for long periods of time while conducting seminars, orientations, and presentations; and some dexterity in operating office equipment. The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities. Subject to light lifting/ carrying up to 20 pounds.