Retirement Plan Specialist

Position Summary

The Retirement Plan Specialist is a key member of the Retirement Solutions team, working with assigned FPW advisors in the delivery and ongoing management of employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b), cash balance, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. This role is responsible for coordinating the operational and administrative functions of the retirement plan practice, including onboarding new clients, scheduling and preparing for plan review meetings, and developing materials for client and prospective client presentations, and supporting participant education efforts.​ This may include presenting group participant education sessions and meeting with participants one-on-one when needed. 

The Specialist serves as a point of contact for plan sponsors and participants ensuring the efficient execution and overall success of the retirement plan business through strong organization, sound judgment, and attention to detail.​

Focus provides team members the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule. Our hybrid model is defined as 3 days in office work required per week, while giving team members the option to work remotely 2 day per week, or as assigned by their team leader.

Primary Responsibilities

Process Client Requests

• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries and issues providing exceptional service and ensuring a positive experience for plan sponsors and plan participants
• Exercises discretion in resolving client issues and determining appropriate course of action
• Assist plan participants, when needed, with their requests for distributions, hardship withdrawals, loans, and enrollment, and related service requests
• Assist plan sponsors and plan participants with accessing and navigating retirement plan portals, online tools, and mobile applications as well as providing guidance on system usage and features
• Act as the liaison between service providers: TPAs, recordkeepers, CPAs
• Oversee service provider selection and RFP process, including analysis and recommendations
• Collaborate with internal teams, such as Operations and Compliance, as needed to support client needs and maintain service quality

Coordinate Client Meetings

• Schedule client committee meetings and prepare reports and materials in advance of the meetings
• Schedule group participant education sessions and individual participant meetings, when needed
• Direct annual service schedule - track and monitor that all service is provided to each client each year

Maintain Client Information and Files

• Utilize RPAG and other tools to facilitate the quarterly review and reporting processes
• Maintain physical and digital client files according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate client information in the CRM, including detailed records of client interactions, inquiries, and resolutions

Business Development Support

• Support advisors with business development efforts including drafting RPF responses and creating proposals
• Independently evaluates plan design, fees, and provider performance and makes recommendations to advisors and clients
• Develop knowledge of recordkeeper partners to make recommendations
• Coordinate the onboarding process of new plans with the plan sponsor and recordkeeper, attending weekly calls, influencing plan design decisions and ensuring the conversion is kept on track

Leadership

• Actively mentor and contribute to the development of less experienced team members
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and collaboration
• Make connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve results
• Participate in projects and initiatives that strengthen the firm, team, and culture
• Recommend changes to procedures that improve efficiency and client satisfaction

Other

• Promote and adhere to the workplace values of Focus. We are resourceful thinkers, responsive to the needs of clients, team members, and communities, and imaginative in spirit in the solutions we deliver. We value Service, Teamwork, Excellence, Integrity and Execution.
• Maintain compliance with firm policies and procedures and with applicable regulatory requirements, including those of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the retirement plan practice

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree required, equivalent relevant experience may be considered
• Series 65 within 120 days of hire
• Industry Credentials are required or strongly preferred (e.g., QKA, QPA, CRPS, CPFA, etc.) or the willingness to obtain them

Experience 

• Proven experience in a client support role within the financial services industry, with a focus on retirement plan services preferred
• Experience with a recordkeeper, TPA, or investment advisor (or equivalent specializing) in defined contribution plans is required
• Experience supporting participant education meetings, plan review preparation, and retirement plan onboarding processes is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans is required
• Familiarity with ERISA, IRS and DOL Guidelines is required
• Understanding investment basics - asset classes, share classes, fund expenses, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and professionally
• Ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships with plan sponsors, participants, and internal teams
• Team player mindset with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with internal departments
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Ability to effectively plan and organize tasks, activities, and projects and prioritize effectively
• Demonstrated self-discipline, sound judgment, and motivation to complete assigned responsibilities independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Salesforce CRM knowledge helpful

This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $80,000 - $88,000 per year base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant’s skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate’s experience and education.

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About Focus Financial Partners

Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate’s skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law. 

Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@focuspartners.com.

The following language is for US based roles only

For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here

For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST.  AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100. 

For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.  An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.

For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation.  The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.