Defined Contribution Specialist

The role of the Defined Contribution Specialist is to support the defined contribution efforts of the firm through the development of expert knowledge and dissemination of industry best practices through research and analysis to a variety of internal team members.

Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct research and due diligence on defined contribution service providers such as plan recordkeepers, custodians, managed accounts, and investments managers.
• Collaborate with Marquette’s Research team to support manager due diligence and ongoing DC efforts such as retirement income, target date funds, and core menu design.
• Assist in the creation of education materials such as investment basics, financial wellness, financial planning, and other related topics.
• Support the development and communication of the firm’s views on defined contribution benefits to current clients and the internal client team.
• Research and monitor defined contribution plan industry trends including investment, regulatory, and fiduciary trends.
• Serve as a member of the firm’s Defined Contribution Services Committee.
• Meet with DC industry experts such as recordkeepers, investment managers, plan sponsors, and ERISA experts.
• Support consultants in their efforts to present advice and education to plan sponsors.
• Collaborate on new business efforts; develop and maintain Marketing RFP responses and materials.
• Write papers on topical and academic research topics related to defined contribution plans such as plan governance and fiduciary best practices, plan design features, investment menu, behavioral finance, financial wellness, retirement planning, etc.
• Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 – 5 years of defined contribution retirement plan experience.
• Client service experience and baseline knowledge of defined contribution plans such as 401(k), 403(b), 457, etc.
• Progress towards interest in completing an industry designation such as CFA, CAIA, CFP, CIMA, AIF, C(k)P, CRC, CRSP, CRPS, PPC (or similar).
• Ability to write summaries, white papers, and other internal and external communications.
• Experience with retirement plan participant education such as investment education, financial planning, and financial wellness.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized with ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and react to change positively.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Critical thinking skills, a self-starter with excellent follow-up abilities.
• Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule, Chicago-based preferred.
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills.