Position Information

Position Information Message
Project & Innovation Specialist
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=448179

 

The CalSTRS Service Retirement Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Pension Program Manager I on the Projects & Innovation Team.

 

Service Retirement is the largest benefit program within CalSTRS and responsible for the timely and accurate delivery of benefits to retired California educators.

 

The Projects & Innovation Team is responsible for the most complex cross functional Service Retirement assignments for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The team independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt program, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS.
 

Under the direction of the Pension Program Manager II, the Pension Program Manager I (Specialist) operates as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Service Retirement (SR) and is responsible for the most complex cross functional Service Retirement assignments. The PPM I (Specialist) independently researches, analyzes, designs, develops, tests, evaluates, and delivers project deliverables for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The PPM I (Specialist) independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt program, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS. The PPM I (Specialist) has expert knowledge of the current pension administration system, extensive knowledge of the replacement pension administration system, Service Retirement (SR) business processes, and CalSTRS processes; the ability to research and analyze unique problems accurately, develop appropriate solutions, and recommend effective courses of action; and identify improvements and develop and propose innovative solutions. The PPM I (Specialist) has detailed knowledge of the California Teachers’ Retirement Law, and other related laws, regulations, policies and procedures.


The ideal candidate will possess the following skills: 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively analyze situations and recommend appropriate courses of action.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with conflicting priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to act independently with flexibility and willingness to learn and thrive in an environment of change.
  • Extensive knowledge on applying rules, laws or regulations to customers, staff and peers.
  • Expert knowledge with current and future CalSTRS benefit programs and/or similar pension system knowledge.
  • Extensive knowledge of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology and identifying and implementing process improvements.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with individuals from varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

This position may supervise staff in the future. 


Telework Information: CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions with staff working on-site at our Headquarters in West Sacramento 2 days per week.

 

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

 

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

 

Working Conditions

 

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

 

Position: Project & Innovation Specialist
Organization: California State Teachers' Retirement System
Location: Yolo County,  CA 
United States
Salary: $7,006.00 - $8,710.00 per Month
Posting Start Date: 9/3/2024
Date Posted: 9/3/2024
Requirements  

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
 

Position Details

Job Code #:
 
JC-448179
Position #(s):
 
815-434-4864-023
Working Title:
 
Projects & Innovation Specialist
Classification:
 
PENSION PROGRAM MANAGER I
$7,006.00 - $8,710.00
 
 
 
# of Positions:
 
1
Work Location:
 
Yolo County
Telework:
 
Hybrid
Job Type:
 
Permanent, Full Time
 

Department Information

CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators

CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management eight times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.

Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.

In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/about-CalSTRS.

Learn more about CalSTRS culture on LinkedIn

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications
 
Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. The Statement of Qualifications response must be no more than two pages in length and numbered accordingly. You must include your name and the position title in the header of the SOQ. Please address the following
  1. After reviewing the duty statement, explain how your prior work experience, knowledge and abilities has prepared you to succeed in this position. Specifically, detail your experience with the System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) model.
  2. Tell us about a time that you assisted in the replacement of an outdated legacy administration system.
  3. This position requires flexibility and leadership qualities to help lead the division through a large change. What change management practices and strategies will you implement if chosen for this position?

Exam

Please note that the Staff Services Manager I (SSMI) examination certification list will be used as an appropriate to fill this position. If appointed as a Pension Program Manager I (PPMI), you must meet the minimum qualifications for both the (SSMI) AND the (PPMI) appropriate classification. To view the minimum qualifications, please see the Classification Specification link in the Minimum Requirements section

 
This position requires a current Staff Services Manager I Exam. If you need to take the exam or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

Background Investigation


Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements 

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/17/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.
 Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

 
 
State Teachers' Retirement System
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 15275, MS 31
SacramentoCA 95851-0275

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

 
 
State Teachers' Retirement System
CalSTRS, Attn: Recruitment
100 Waterfront Place
West SacramentoCA 95605
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of the job posting for detailed instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

  • Alternative work schedules
  • Flexible work hours
  • Remote work options
  • Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
  • More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
  • More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
  • Health insurance in retirement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Recruitment
(916) 414-4990
recruitment@calstrs.com

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 414-4933
EEOMailbox@calstrs.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

 

  • Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-434-4864-023, RPA: 7685, JC-448179
  • If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
  • Training and development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  • Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
  • Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

 

 

Additional Salary Information

 

All civil service positions have salary ranges with minimum and maximum pay rates. Typically, employees who are new to civil service are appointed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the position. Special provisions for appointments above the minimum exist to meet special recruitment needs and to accommodate employees who transfer into a position from another civil service position and are already receiving salaries above the minimum.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Status: This listing expires on: 9/17/2024
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Organization Information
Name:
California State Teachers' Retirement System
Address:


Yolo County,  CA 
United States
Email:
recruitment@calstrs.com
Phone:
(916) 414-4990
Fax:
Contact:

P2F2

The Public Pension Financial Forum is organized for education, pension advocacy and networking purposes. To support the ongoing education of our membership, we prepare quarterly newsletters, hold member facilitated conference calls and webinars, and host an annual conference.  We also have a Member Forum that allows members to ask questions and receive answers from each other.  To participate in P2F2, follow the member enrollment link above.