The National Automatic Sprinkler Industry (“NASI”) Welfare and Pension Funds (“Funds”), located in Landover, Maryland is currently seeking an Assistant Executive Director for Union Benefits (“Assistant Executive Director”), reporting directly to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader who excels at supporting, mentoring, and motivating staff; overseeing benefit operations and compliance; facilitating efficient and effective communication across leadership and teams within an organization; and championing the Funds’ strategic initiatives. Other than for travel, the Assistant Executive Director is expected to be in the office five (5) days a week. NASI offers a salary range between $175,000 and $200,000 based on experience and a generous comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer paid health coverage in an exceptional health plan, a defined benefit pension plan, a defined contribution retirement plan, paid time off, among other benefits.
NASI is dedicated to the mission of providing exceptional healthcare and retirement benefits to the hardworking women and men in the sprinkler industry union and their families. NASI is a mission-driven organization, which has cultivated a collegial work environment where employees can drive change in the Taft-Hartley space, pursue professional development, and maintain a work-life balance.
The NASI Fund Office administers seven multiemployer Taft-Hartley trust funds, including two defined benefit pension plans, two welfare plans, one defined contribution individual account plan, and two education and apprentice training funds. It also administers a defined benefit pension plan that covers its own staff. These plans provide healthcare (including medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits) and retirement benefits to more than 20,000 active and retired sprinkler fitters and their families.. Sprinkler Fitters install, repair, and maintain fire sprinkler systems in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings to protect lives and property. Participants are members of the 15 straight-line Sprinkler Local Unions of the United Association who work for over 700 sprinkler contractors. NASI has assets of approximately $8 Billion total between eight (8) funds. For more information, please visit the Funds’ website at https://nasifund.org/.
Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Assistant Executive Director will assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Funds, including management of the directors, department managers, and staff who support the administration of the benefit plans, in accordance with the respective Trust Agreements and Plan Documents adopted by the Trustees. This includes developing and monitoring policies/procedures and performance standards and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, and requirements (including ERISA, DOL, and IRC). The Assistant Executive Director will participate actively with the Executive Director in strategic business planning and budgeting processes and assist with implementing short and long-term operational goals and objectives of NASI.
Responsibilities
The precise job responsibilities will depend on the experience of the selected candidate, but will likely include without limitation:
- Oversee day-to-day operations: Ensure financial and operational accuracy and compliance of the administration of the plans; Establish and monitor operational policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and prompt, accurate service to participants; Make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding opportunities for process improvements that are impactful to quality or service delivered to participants and beneficiaries; Conduct regular meetings with managers and staff to keep apprised of day-to-day operational and staff issues and proactively work to address operational issues.
- Strategic planning: Participate in strategic business planning and budgeting process, including frontline responsibility for annual budget; Assist, participate in, and provide oversight and management of the Funds’ strategic and long-term initiatives and projects. Attend and present at BOT meetings, approximately five (5) times a year, as well as various seminars and education meetings for different unions (throughout the year).
- Oversee supervision of staff: Provide vision, leadership, guidance, and motivation to approximately six (6) supervisors with approximately 45 collectively bargained direct reports; Mentor and develop directors, department managers, and staff through performance management, goal setting, training, and effective employee relations to ensure superior service is consistently provided; Develop and implement training programs for managers and staff; Ensure collaboration and communication across departments.
- Ensure compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant plan statutes, regulations, and requirements; Consult with outside professionals on compliance matters as needed; Assist in submission of government mandated forms; Remain informed of all plan provisions for all benefit plans; Network regularly with professional organizations and colleagues in the industry to stay informed of new regulations, recent events, and/or other situations that could affect NASI.
- Ensure adequate systems and technology: Ensure systems are maintained and updated to support the Funds’ recordkeeping, benefit processing, cybersecurity, and participant service needs; Support IT staff with the implementation of new benefits administration systems, tools, and technologies.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
- Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in benefits (pension and welfare/health) administration/operations required. Minimum of seven (7) years of senior-level management experience required, including direct experience with executive-level decision making and interaction with executive management. Experience in Taft-Hartley and/or collectively bargained environment preferred.
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or commensurate related experience required. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CEBS) preferred.
Special Skills or Credentials:
- Experience with multiemployer fund operations and extensive knowledge of pension and welfare/health benefit plans as well as related governmental/legislative regulations (ERISA, DOL, HIPAA/HITECH, ACA, PPA, etc.) including knowledge of plan design and interpretation is preferred.
- A professional with demonstrated leadership skills, 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 and deliver on multiple priorities. Strong project management skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in order to meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to constructively interact with staff, at all levels of the organization, as well as outside professionals and service providers.
- Highly organized with the ability to motivate others to be organized. Flexible, team player that can lead effectively as well as provide support to others in leadership roles.
- Innovative and creative thinker with an ability to identify tasks that may be automated and implement necessary changes. Proficiency with current technology (especially MS Word, Excel, and Outlook) and experience with benefits administration systems (experience with Bridgeway Benefit Technologies’ basys benefit administration system is a plus).
- Appreciation for regulatory and political environment.
Apply
As noted above, NASI offers a competitive salary and a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes fully employer paid health coverage in an exceptional health plan, a defined benefit pension plan, a defined contribution retirement plan, paid time off, as well as other benefits. NASI encourages 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 0326NASIADLI in the subject line or with your application.
