Administrative Analyst II - Retirement Plan Assistant Coordinator - Human Resources

Overview

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work. This position supports the Howard County defined benefit retirement plans and other programs of the Office of Human Resources.

What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government: We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged. We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you ll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Please note, the starting salary hiring range for this position is $77,422 - $107,596

Please note: This position is not anticipated to be filled until April 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible advanced level administrative support work performing tasks in support of the Howard County defined benefit retirement plans and other programs of the Office of Human Resources.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs intermediate professional level administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administrative support of a functional program and professional level analysis and coordination of functional office programs and activities.

This position serves in a confidential capacity within the definition of Howard County labor relations law and is ineligible for membership in a collective bargaining unit.

• Processes all benefit estimates requested by retirement plan participants (e.g., normal retirement, early retirement, disability retirement, and Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)).
• Meets one-on-one with employees regarding service and disability retirement, answering questions and assisting with the completion of required paperwork.
• Effectively communicates all aspects of the retirement process, including information on retiree health insurance, Medicare, and Social Security.
• Conducts annual recertification of disabled retirees.
• Researches and prepares investigative reports and special studies relating to plan expenses, census data, disability retirements, and other retirement-related issues as appropriate.
• Reviews and verifies payment vouchers for periodic plan expenses, including invoices for actuarial, legal, investment, and audit fees, and works with the Finance department to reconcile discrepancies.

• Participates in bi-weekly orientation for newly hired employees, presenting highlights of the retirement plans and assisting employees transferring from other jurisdictions.
• Develops and updates presentation materials and content for webinars and seminars targeting upcoming retirees, ensuring accuracy and clarity on complex topics.
• Updates and/or creates participant communication materials (i.e., Summary Plan Descriptions).
• Serves as content editor for the County website s retirement page.
• Provides prompt and courteous customer service to plan participants via telephone, electronic communication, in-person, and regular mail.
• Serves as liaison with the retiree services vendor on the maintenance and enhancement of the retiree self-service portal (MYPENPAY).

• Manages and executes small- to medium-scale administrative or technical projects related to retirement plan maintenance, regulatory compliance, or system enhancements.
• Schedules monthly Retirement Plan Committee meetings, prepares the agenda, and oversees the distribution of all meeting materials.
• Schedules Pension Oversight Commission meetings, prepares the agenda, and serves as the primary County contact for commission members.

• Maintains various Excel templates as needed for periodic plan amendments and creates new…