Chief Benefits Officer

Chief Benefits Officer

Salary

$124,051.20 - $176,384.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03219

Agency

553 Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)

Opening Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Melinda McElroy

To Apply

Submit NeoGov application with a resume and cover letter attached.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Chief Benefits Officer

Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System

The Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Chief Benefits Officer (CBO).

The Chief Benefits Officer manages the IPERS Trust Fund Retirement Benefits Program. IPERS is a multiple-employer, cost-sharing pension plan with more than 423,000 active, inactive and retired members. IPERS is the largest public pension system in Iowa covering employees of schools, state agencies, counties, cities, townships and other public entities.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Benefits Officer is responsible for administering the benefits and other services provided under the retirement system.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage and direct the administration of IPERS' retirement benefits program, including benefit calculations, payments, eligibility determinations and related internal policies and procedures.
• Establish goals and objectives for retirement benefit operations, coordinates implementation with staff and the CEO and contribute to policy development by assessing fiscal impacts, aligning benefits with investment objectives and preparing budget and staffing plans.
• Conduct program-related studies using internal data, collaborate with IPERS' actuarial firm on analyses requiring actuarial expertise and develop or evaluate legislative proposals focused on retirement benefits, Trust Fund sustainability and contribution rates.
• Serve as a resource on the details of the retirement benefits program for IPERS leaders, staff and other stakeholders.
• Review member / employer appeals of IPERS decisions, research specific details, consult with IPERS' general counsel and CEO and draft proposed response.
• Handle all sensitive discussions pertaining to the retirement benefits program initiated by key members of the state executive and legislative branches pertaining to their personal scenarios.
• Contribute to quality assurance testing of IPERS pension benefits system to ensure accuracy of formulas, calculations and the application of retirement program policies and rules.
• Maintain an ongoing awareness of all federal statutes and rules, IRS rules, Iowa statutes, rules and policies that govern the retirement benefits program. As directed by the CEO, give speeches and attend executive branch and legislative committee and subcommittee meetings.
• Exercise full supervisory responsibility by directing the work of subordinates and provide leadership, management and supervision of assigned staff.
• With the CEO, serve as the primary agency liaison to the IPERS Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC).

Salary and Benefits:

Annual salary of $124,051.20 to $176,384.00, depending on experience.

As an employee of IPERS, you are eligible for the State of Iowa comprehensive benefits package that includes the following and more:

• Health, Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance - Insurance begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2026 health and dental premiums can be found here.
• Paid time off - separate vacation and sick leave - accruals begin on day one.
• Paid holidays (nine per year)
• Flex Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (IPERS)
• Voluntary Retirement Plan (Retirement Investors Club)

Unlock the complete value of State of Iowa benefits with the Total Compensation Calculator.

Find out more: State of Iowa - Benefits at a Glance.

Finalists are subject to a background check.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with an emphasis in business or public administration, political science or related areas such as personnel or human resources administration, accounting, or management science and the equivalent of five years of full-time supervisory

or

Management work experience in areas involving administration of employment benefits such as retirement benefits or retirement investments, health, dental, life or unemployment insurance, or professional level experience in areas involving the legislative process.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 553 Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) Address 7401 Register Dr

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://www.ipers.org/