Job Details

Overview

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) counsels members of the University as they transition into retirement and provides long-term pension and retirement health benefits support.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Survivor and Disability Manager is a forward-thinking, strategic leader who works closely with RASC business areas in fulfilling divisional strategic objectives and building a culture of high performance in delivering service to internal and external clients. Functions under the leadership of the Survivor and Disability Manager include managing the processing of all survivor, beneficiary, and contingent annuitant, and disability applications and ensuring they receive subject matter expertise, highly responsible service and follow-up when seeking assistance on topics related to benefits processing.

The Survivor and Disability Manager ensures that plans and programs comply with federal and state guidelines while adhering to plan details and policies set forth by the University of California. The Survivor and Disability Manager directs day-to-day operations of their team to ensure efficient use of resources, accurate reporting and the effective delivery of benefits services to all internal and external members, customers and key stakeholders. The role works collaboratively with the RASC leadership to improve service and survivor engagement and ensure survivor benefits are processed in a prompt, efficient and professional manner. This is a Hybrid position with three days a week on-site in Oakland, CA.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provides leadership to employees including coaching, staff development, evaluations, managing workflows and enforcing policies and procedures. Cultivates a culture that upholds the mission to deliver exemplary service to clients and supports strategies focused on revenue growth, performance and process improvement. Leads strategic planning in alignment with divisional and institutional policies and goals; develops strategies to ensure performance to achieve KPIs. Plays a key role in audits, works with audit teams and senior management; recommends and implements solutions to improve operational controls and mitigate risks. Develops, implements and evaluates retirement benefit policies and procedures; updates as needed. Leverages tools, technologies, systems and processes to facilitate a seamless and personalized customer experience. Monitors operational efficiencies through new program development, process improvements, and standardizing services. Ensures department goals, budget standards and targets are met; prepares an annual operating budget. Participates on cross-functional committees and leads innovative change initiatives in benefit administration. Creates and maintains succession planning for all levels of department positions.
• Operations Management: Establishes relationships with members and third-party providers to achieve quotas and targets. Manages day-to-day operations for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Plans resources to maximize productivity and ensure coverage during holidays and peak periods. Identifies client needs and develops creative solutions using expertise and technologies. Stays current with trends and best practices and shares knowledge with leadership and staff. Coaches and trains managers and team members; conducts retiree benefits presentation updates and one-on-one meetings. Supports development of communication tools and materials for benefits orientations and open enrollment.
• Evaluation and Compliance Management: Audits departmental practices for best administrative practices. Ensures compliance with internal and external policies, procedures and processes. Conducts quality assurance surveys and uses scorecards and dashboards to identify customer satisfaction levels and drive improvements. Evaluates department effectiveness and adjusts practices to meet customer needs. Oversees performance management, including recruitment, coaching, training and development, and disciplinary actions.

Required Qualifications

• Must have at least 10 years of experience in managing operations, building client relations and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience managing metrics, ensuring customer satisfaction and reporting statistical performance related to operations.
• Ability to understand customers' objectives and act as a trusted advisor; expertise in benefits calculations; strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Strategic and/or consulting skills in developing and delivering short- and long-term goals.
• Ability to drive transformation and manage change initiatives; able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong communication and influencing skills.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines; experience in succession planning and cross-organizational collaboration.
• Experience overseeing performance management processes, including evaluations and development; ability to delegate and coordinate across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting retiree benefits including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Salary: The recommended hiring range is $175,000 - $205,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit Benefits of Belonging.

Additional Information

How to Apply

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

Application Review Date: The first review date for this job is September 26, 2025. If needed, the position will be open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

Background check required. UCOP is smoke and tobacco-free. Compliance with vaccination programs may apply. Finalists may be required to disclose prior conduct issues.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Accessibility: If you need assistance completing the application process, contact the Human Resources Department at ...@ucop.edu.