Division Director (Retirement & Benefits - 028001)

Job Description

This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

Applicants may apply by submitting their resume and cover letter by email to Stefanie Bingham at stefanie.bingham@alaska.gov.

What You Will Be Doing

Are YOU the next Executive Leader of the State of Alaska’s Division of Retirement & Benefits?

The State of Alaska, Department of Administration, is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Division of Retirement & Benefits.

As the Director, you will serve as the principal executive officer responsible for the full scope of division operations. In this role, you will:

• Provide executive leadership and final decision-making authority over all division programs, personnel, and administrative functions.
• Lead a multi-layered leadership structure, working closely with specialized Deputy Directors (Health, Finance, and Pension) and an Administrative Operations Manager to ensure coordinated, effective statewide service delivery.
• Oversee retirement systems including Public Employees, Teachers, Judicial, National Guard/Naval Militia, and Elected Public Officers, along with supplemental and deferred compensation programs.
• Direct the administration of group health and life insurance programs for active and retired members.
• Lead and implement strategic planning efforts, aligning resources with the division’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic management framework, including assessment, planning, execution, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and economically across statewide operations.
• Represent the administration in legislative matters, including bill analysis, fiscal notes, testimony, and collaboration with legislators and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with actuaries, consultants, auditors, and investment advisors to ensure sound program management.
• Coordinate with key State partners including Treasury, the Alaska Retirement and Management Board, Department of Law, and Division of Finance.
• Oversee development of regulations, approve contracts and agreements, and serve as final authority on public communications and reporting.

Our Organization, Mission, and Culture

The Division of Retirement & Benefits is committed to supporting Alaskans through the administration of retirement, health, and benefit programs that promote long-term financial and personal well-being.

We value integrity, accountability, collaboration, and service excellence while fostering a professional and inclusive workplace.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

If you are seeking meaningful public service where your leadership has statewide impact, this position offers:

• Opportunities to influence long-term financial security for thousands of Alaskans.
• A mission-driven workplace in the Last Frontier.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

Our office is located in Juneau where you will work in the State Office Building in Alaska’s scenic capital city.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced executive leader with strengths in:

• Executive Leadership & Management – Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations through subordinate leadership teams.
• Strategic Thinking – Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies and adapt to changing environments.
• Public Administration – Experience working with legislation, public policy, and governmental processes.
• Financial & Program Oversight – Strong understanding of large-scale benefit systems, budgeting, and resource management.
• Collaboration & Communication – Ability to work effectively with stakeholders, policymakers, and diverse teams.
• Regulatory & Contract Management – Experience overseeing regulations, contracts, and compliance frameworks.

Experience with public retirement systems, employee benefits, or large-scale financial programs is highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

Positions in this job class are in the Partially Exempt Service under AS 39.25.120(c)(2).

Special Note:
Departments are authorized by Personnel Rule 2 AAC 07.015 to identify Division Directors by their specific division titles.

Additional Required Information

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

Applicants may apply by submitting their resume and cover letter by email to Stefanie Bingham at stefanie.bingham@alaska.gov.
COVER LETTER
Please submitt with your application aletter of interest that highlights:

1. Your executive leadership experience.
2. Your experience managing large programs or systems.
3. Your approach to strategic planning and organizational leadership.

1. Your experience in managing a public retirement system including the size of the organization and number of plans administered

1. Provide specific examples of efforts to balance cost to plans, cost to members, statutory requirements, federal compliance, and member outcomes.

Additionally, please send a current resume detailing your experience and education.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

Stefanie Bingham

Administrative Services Director

Phone: 907-465-5665

Stefanie.bingham@alaska.gov

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year