Assistant Director – Retirement Services

Mayer Brown

. Manage administration and analysis of two qualified retirement plans: the 401(k) Savings Plan and Cash Balance Pension Plan .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $176,000 - $234,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing retirement plans, including 401(k) and Cash Balance Pension Plans, while ensuring compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations. Proficient in utilizing automated systems and PeopleSoft for benefits administration and reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Retirement Plan AdministrationERISA CompliancePeopleSoft Query ReportingDefined Contribution/Benefit PlansAnalytical and Numerical Ability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Retirement Plan ManagementBenefits AdministrationExcel ProficiencyAudit CoordinationActuarial Data ReviewPayroll/HRIS Systems KnowledgeProject ManagementCost-of-Living CalculationsCompliance ReportingData Reconciliation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsLeadership SkillsCustomer Service Orientation

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficePeopleSoftAutomated SystemsGlobalNet

Industry Keywords

401(k) Savings PlanCash Balance Pension PlanUnfunded Pension PlanHealth and Welfare Insurance ProgramsDepartment of Labor RegulationsIRS RegulationsAnnual Funding NoticesForm 5500

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage administration and analysis of two qualified retirement plans: the 401(k) Savings Plan and Cash Balance Pension Plan
Administer the unfunded pension plan and retiree medical program
Support the CFO and senior directors with administration of the unfunded partner retirement plan
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, contracts, and Summary Plan Descriptions
Act as key contact for partner retirement benefit programs
Coordinate Cash Balance Pension Plan communications and amendments
Develop and implement retirement-plan policies, procedures, and audit processes
Review actuarial data changes and reconcile participant changes and monthly funding requirements
Oversee Schwab submissions, retirement contributions, plan reports, distributions, QDRO procedures, loans, and forfeiture accounts
Coordinate participant communications, savings-plan meetings, and printed materials
Oversee partner quarterly and annual 401(k) funding contributions
Reconcile payroll partner deduction and loan funding files
Coordinate annual retirement-plan audits, including Form 5500s, SARs, PBGC premiums, and Annual Funding Notices
Work with the Investment Management Firm on approved investment changes and trustee distribution requests
Ensure retirement-plan invoices are processed timely
Oversee annual Social Security and Medicare meetings
Participate in the Administrative Investment Committee and Benefits Welfare Committee
Review and approve unfunded pension calculations and provide payment information to Partnership Accounting
Perform annual cost-of-living increase calculations
Maintain U.S. Equity Partner compensation and contribution data in PeopleSoft
Manage benefits guides, new-hire orientation presentations, and other internal communications
Develop programs and streamline processes
Assist with health and welfare plan renewals, reporting, meetings, and annual open enrollment
Oversee employee benefit records and retirement content on GlobalNet
Prepare and distribute management reports
Cross-train on Assistant Director: Health & Welfare duties
Assist with ACA compliance for retirees and coordinate PeopleSoft BenAdmin programming, interfaces, configuration changes, and testing
Perform other duties as assigned or required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
Minimum of five years of previous benefits/retirement management experience required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required
Extensive experience with defined contribution/benefit plans (savings/CBP) and unfunded/non-qualified plan administration required
Strong knowledge of automated systems, third-party vendors, payroll/HRIS systems, and benefit programs required
Strong analytical and numerical ability required
Proven working knowledge of ERISA, Department of Labor, and IRS regulations as they pertain to benefit and retirement plan programs required
Hands-on knowledge of Excel required
Advanced degree preferred
Prior experience working in a professional services setting preferred
Experience with H&W insurance programs administration preferred
PeopleSoft Query reporting preferred
Ability to manage annual projects from planning through final audit and maintenance of enrollment in plans
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and support demanding Firm needs
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities
Strong customer service, attention to detail, organizational, strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership, supervisory, project management, and delegation skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
Occasional travel to other offices may be required
May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
AD&D insurance
401(k) savings plan
Back-up childcare and eldercare
Generous paid time off (PTO)
Professional development and growth opportunities
Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans