The Kern County Electrical Trust Funds (the "Funds"), located in Bakersfield, California, are actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director. This key role reports directly to the Boards of Trustees and is responsible for overseeing all aspects related to the administration of two (2) multiemployer benefit trusts, including a health fund and a pension fund. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned benefits administration professional with a proven track record of leadership and the ability to drive a team towards excellence with minimal supervision. This is a full-time, onsite position that demands a hands-on approach and a commitment to operational excellence and providing superior service to the Funds' stakeholders.
The Funds serve approximately 851 health plan members and 1,530 pension plan participants and beneficiaries, managing assets of approximately $227 million. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the operational, technical, and organizational administration of the Funds, ensuring compliance with all plan documents and relevant local, state and federal statutes, regulations and requirements. This role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, procedures, and standards to guarantee the prompt and accurate delivery of benefits to participants.
In this position, the Executive Director represents the Funds in all aspects of leadership, management, business planning, public relations, and negotiations, as determined by the Boards of Trustees. The Executive Benefits Director will lead the strategic business, financial and technology initiatives of the Funds, setting goals, directing, and motivating the Fund Office staff and collaborating effectively with the Boards of Trustees, Union, Employers, professional advisors and colleagues at all levels both inside and outside the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee and monitor the day-to-day administration of benefit plans and accounting functions to ensure financial and operational accuracy and compliance.
Oversee management of two (2) to three (3) staff members and provide vision, leadership, guidance, and motivation to staff.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained and utilized effectively to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Funds. Responsible for both hiring and dismissal decision making.
Participate actively with the Boards of Trustees in business planning processes and implement goals and objectives of the Funds.
Work with the Funds' systems and IT support vendors to develop an IT plan and ensure that adequate systems and technology are maintained to support the Funds' recordkeeping, benefit processing, cybersecurity and customer service needs.
Establish and monitor Fund Office policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the highest level of professionalism and prompt, accurate service to members and Employers.
Oversee all accounting and financial matters related to the administration of the Funds, including the Kern County Electrical Journeyman and Apprentice Training Trust, and Construction Benefit Administration, Inc., including oversight of building maintenance.
Consult with outside professionals (e.g., auditors, attorneys, actuaries, investment managers, custodian, insurance carrier(s), etc.) on compliance requirements and other matters as needed.
Oversee the development of communication materials for members and Employers. Responsible for effectively communicating plan and policy changes to Fund Office staff, members, Employers, and the Union and service vendors, as applicable.
Support participants through the retirement process, handle escalated or complex participant calls, and issues and coordinate appeals from members, beneficiaries or legal representatives.
Coordinate, prepare materials for, and attend all Boards of Trustee meetings, including drafting of meeting minutes. Attend other meetings as directed by the Boards of Trustees.
Remain informed of all plan provisions for both Funds and maintain understanding of ERISA, IRC, PPACA, and HIPAA requirements and other areas of fiduciary responsibility. Work with Fund Office staff to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience demonstrating increased responsibility in benefit plan administration (pension and health) and compliance required; Minimum of five (5) years of senior-level management experience required, including direct experience with executive-level decision making and interaction with Boards.
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant work experience required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or CEBS certification preferred.
Special Skills or Credentials:
Experience in Taft-Hartley or collective bargaining environment strongly preferred.
Knowledge of pension and health plan administration and compliance is required, including familiarity with ERISA, DOL, IRC, HIPAA, ACA, PPA, and other government related/ legislative regulations.
Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven "hands-on" managerial style, excellent judgment, and strong work ethic.
Strong decision-making and organizational skills with the ability to optimize the use of all available resources, execute process improvement measures and deliver on multiple priorities.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff at all levels of the organization as well as Trustees, outside professionals and service providers.
Ability to act with a high degree of autonomy and to be able to anticipate issues and present alternatives to the Boards of Trustees.
Knowledgeable of current technology and benefits administration systems.
To Apply
In addition to a salary of $145,000 - $165,000 commensurate with experience, the Funds offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer paid health and retirement benefits and a paid time off policy. The Funds are an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.
To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements to atcresumes@segalco.com. Please include job reference code 0325KCEDLI in the subject line or with your application.