Retirement Implementation Specialist

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Retirement Implementation Specialist is responsible for leading the onboarding process for new Alerus retirement plan clients, including startup plans, transfer plans and internal conversions, managing all elements of the onboarding process by leading internal departments and external parties through an established implementation timeline. The Retirement Implementation Specialist is responsible for communicating the implementation plan, including the key objectives and deliverables, scheduling, tracking and reporting to internal and external parties, assigning and perform tasks to meet service timelines to ensure a successful transition of new business from sales to the Alerus account representative while delivering a positive customer experience for the plan sponsor and other external parties while continually seeking ways to enhance the new client implementation process.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• As the primary point of contact, partner with Alerus sales consultant to coordinate the new business implementation process.
• Schedule and facilitate implementation calls with client, advisor, TPA, prior vendor(s) and Alerus team members to define the implementation timeline including a blackout period, key milestones, and plan effective date.
• Determine unique features, service definitions, and scope of service offerings agreed upon during the sales process and participate in presentations on key accounts when required.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to find solutions for complex requests while maintaining consistency with established service offerings.
• Request, collect, and review new plan documentation and agreements for all Alerus Retirement Plan segments including Direct, Advisor and TPA business.
• Confirm investment menu with client, advisor, and fund wholesaler and review the fund selection to ensure availability, establishment of account, and trading information.
• Resolve residual issues to ensure funds, share classes, trading activity and account setup is correct.
• Provide clear communication regarding the roles of each individual involved in the implementation process.
• Properly document key discussions and decisions related to plan setup and onboarding.
• Coordinate, schedule and facilitate meetings with internal and external parties throughout implementation process including but not limited to document design, payroll and website training, data and asset transition, etc.
• Provide updates to internal tracking tools. Communicate with internal and external parties to proactively identify and manage implementation expectations, needs, and concerns. Follow up promptly on potential timeline slippage.
• Manage and coordinate preparation and delivery of education materials, participant mailings, required notices and enrollment meeting dates with external and internal parties.
• Discuss and finalize the collection process for internal and external fees with advisor/client.
• Review all internal systems for accuracy and timely completion.
• Understand breadth of product offering and features of each. Discuss options with appropriate parties as opportunities arise.
• Calculate, document, and updated expected ongoing revenue.
• Facilitate transition calls with internal and external parties to on-going service team.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of how the recordkeeping, trust systems and sponsor & participant websites operate and report information. Maintain current knowledge about system enhancements.
• Deliver training and support to Alerus staff including sales, relationship management, compliance, operations, and administration.
• Update materials, procedures, instructions etc. Distribute to staff as required.
• Foster a positive work environment and support co-workers in achievement of departmental goals.
• Establish work objectives and priorities to perform work in a cost-effective manner.
• Proactively recommend changes in procedures, forms, and checklists to reduce account errors, increase productivity, or improve the client experience.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Associate's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in defined contribution industry, preferably in recordkeeping or administration, required.
• Previous experience with new client onboarding and/or project management preferred.
• Previous experience supporting advisors, brokers, and third-party vendors preferred.
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize workflow of self and others and coordinate activity as an effective team member to meet deadlines and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated written/oral communication, presentation, and organization skills.
• Exhibited commitment to delivering a high-level of client service.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Available to cover peak workloads.
• Ability to travel on occasion.
• Established interpersonal skills such as diplomacy, judgment, decision making, discretion, etc.
• Exhibits an analytical approach to solving complex challenges while keeping both the client and the company's needs in problem-solving.
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, seeks creative solutions, and actively engages in all work responsibilities.
• Disciplined, strong attention to detail, and well organized.
• Considerate, approachable and professional when collaborating with internal and external parties.
• Proactive in anticipating customer needs and adaptable to unforeseen changes typical of a fast-paced environment.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

BASE PAY RANGE:

$55,000 - $70,000 annually

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.