Lead Pension Specialist

Lead Pension SpecialistThe Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), an agency within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Lead Pension Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This position plays a critical role in overseeing and administering MTA's self-funded pension and retirement benefit programs for retirees and a diverse unionized and non-unionized workforce. The incumbent ensures compliance with plan provisions, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations, while providing technical guidance to Pension/Benefits staff and exceptional service to employees and retirees.Key Responsibilities:Pension Administration and Operations: Administer all aspects of MTA's self-funded pension and retirement benefit programs. Calculate and verify pension benefits, including service credit, final average compensation, and retirement eligibility. Review and approve pension transactions and data entries for accuracy and compliance. Process retirements, terminations, death benefits, and other pension-related events. Ensure accurate and timely transmission of pension deductions, contributions, and adjustments.Leadership and Oversight: Serve as lead technical specialist for pension administration activities. Provide training, guidance, and quality review of work completed by Benefits Specialists. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation for pension processing. Assist the Benefits Manager with workflow oversight, performance monitoring, and system process improvements.Compliance and Reporting: Ensure adherence to plan documents, collective bargaining agreements, IRS regulations, and actuarial standards. Coordinate pension audits, actuarial valuations, and compliance reviews. Maintain records and reports required by state and federal agencies. Prepare data and summaries for actuaries, auditors, and executive management.Employee and Retiree Counseling: Provide individual and group retirement counseling sessions for employees nearing retirement. Respond to complex pension-related inquiries from employees, retirees, survivors, and union representatives. Develop educational materials and presentations on retirement planning and pension processes.Collaboration and System Management: Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, and HRIS staff to maintain data accuracy in Infor Global HR and related systems. Partner with vendors, actuaries, and third-party administrators to resolve discrepancies and process improvements. Analyze system data and recommend updates or automation to improve efficiency and accuracy.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in human resources, accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.Two (2) years in a lead or technical specialist capacity providing guidance or training to staff.Demonstrated experience working with defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans.Knowledge of pension-related laws and regulations, including IRS, DOL, and ERISA standards.Experience administering self-funded pension plans in a public-sector or unionized environment.Advanced knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems (Infor Global HR, Workday, or PeopleSoft preferred).Professional certifications such as CEBS, RPA, PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP.Experience performing audits, reconciliations, and actuarial data submissions.Location: Baltimore CityQualifications:Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.Experience: Six years of experience in administrative staff or professional work. *Three (3) years of experience administering or overseeing defined benefit pension plans in a unionized or public-sector environment.Notes:Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.Candidates may substitute the possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.Candidates may substitute the possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher-ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.Licenses & Certifications: Employees in this classification are assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.Additional Information To Apply:You must complete a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) application (Form DTS-1) to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes may not be substituted for the application. Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application; therefore, it is essential that the application is filled out completely and accurately, listing all relevant experience in detail and addressing the specific requirements shown above. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for within MDOT, one of the Transportation Business Units, or the Authority. Note: Applications not completely filled out will not be considered. The selected candidate may be subject to background and reference checks. Employees are subject to the State Substance Abuse Policy to include possible drug testing. It is highly recommended that applications be completed and submitted online by registering at www.mdot.maryland.gov/employment. Make sure you meet the minimum and selective qualifications and follow the instructions on MDOT's Online Employment Center website.