Deferred Compensation Director

Are you a thoughtful, highly organized decision maker with a strong work ethic, commitment to customer service, and excellent communication skills? Do you have experience with employee benefits and/or retirement savings plans? If YES, then apply now for an opportunity to use your skills with an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands!

What We're Looking For: We are seeking a full-time Deferred Compensation Director to oversee the award-winning Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program (WDC). With 70,000 participants and over $7 billion in assets, the WDC is one of the largest s. 457 plans in the United States. It is offered to all state of Wisconsin employees and the employees of more than 1,000 local public employers throughout Wisconsin. The ideal candidate for the Deferred Compensation Director will be a self-starter with experience in employee benefits, retirement plan administration, institutional investing and regulatory compliance.

What We Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with ETF. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including generous paid time off so you can truly have work/life balance! If you have student loans and work full time in a public service job (like this one!) you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Considering relocating to work for Wisconsin in Wisconsin? We offer reimbursement for relocation expenses for this position when the selected candidate meets the applicable criteria. Please contact the recruiter for more information.

Who We Are: The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) manages retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for 650,000+ state and local government employees and retirees of the WRS. Our members are at the center of everything we do, and we're committed to enhancing their well-being by delivering expert guidance, strong, sustainable benefit programs, and an exceptional customer experience. We're looking for talented people who are active learners that build strong collaborative customer relationships (whether internal or external) and recognize the value different perspectives and experiences bring to our organization.

Where We're Located: ETF located in the award-winning city of Madison. Located just off University and Sheboygan Avenues, at 4822 Madison Yards Way, within walking distance to several parks, restaurants, and Hilldale Shopping Center.

Position Summary
This position is responsible for the oversight and direction of the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) program, including program planning and administration; formulating, developing, and implementing plan changes; and developing strategic and management policy relating to supplemental retirement savings and deferred compensation. This position serves as the primary contact for the Deferred Compensation Board, a five-member board appointed by the Governor that has oversight responsibilities.

This position independently oversees and directs work performed by the WDC program’s contracted third-party administrator, investment option providers, external auditors and consulting firms; develops and monitors program statistics and plan performance evaluations; and provides technical expertise involving problems related to WDC operations and application of laws, rules and contract provisions.

This position has management responsibility for the design, administration, and operation of the WDC program. This position exercises prudent financial judgement regarding the protection given to the State and WDC program participants and exercises effective authority to commit the Department's resources. The WDC program is administered by ETF through a contract with a third-party administrator for all employees of the State of Wisconsin, the State Legislature, the Universities of Wisconsin, the UW Hospital and Clinics, and over 1,000 local government employers’ employees and retirees. The WDC program is the largest s. 457 supplemental retirement savings plan in Wisconsin, with over 70,000 participants holding approximately $7 billion in savings as of March 31, 2025.
Please review the position description for more information.

Salary Information
This position is in classification Trust Funds Director (pay schedule/range 81-02) with an annual salary up to $112320, plus excellent benefits.

Pay for current and new state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment.

To learn more about ETF’s total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

Job Details
ETF offers hybrid remote/office work. The selected employee(s) must report to ETF’s office on the first day of employment, at least once a week, and as operational needs require. All employees are expected to be headquartered and work within the state of Wisconsin.

ETF does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the duties required of the position.

A 2-year Career Executive trial period or 1-year probationary period may be required.
The results from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies if they become available.

Qualifications
Minimally Qualified candidates will have experience in all of the following:

• Administering and overseeing a deferred compensation plan, supplemental retirement plan, or similar defined contribution savings plan (e.g., plan design and implementation, compliance and regulatory adherence, financial management, etc.)
  
• Managing stakeholder relationships (e.g., other government agencies, plan participants, board members, third party administrators, etc.)
  
• Overseeing the development and implementation of policy changes and legislation affecting benefit programs and operations
  
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating program objectives, policies, or operating plans
  In addition, Highly Qualified candidates will also have experience with some of the following:
  
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in business, finance, economics, public administration or a related field
  
• Performing vendor management functions (e.g., developing/maintaining third party administered programs, managing performance standards, ensuring compliance, etc.)
  
• Working with government employee benefit plans (e.g., retirement, insurance, disability, etc.)
  

How To Apply
To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume and letter of qualifications addressing your training and experience with the qualifications listed above.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. For helpful tips, please review our instructions for developing your resume and letter of qualifications.

Online applications that do not include all requested materials may not be considered. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement should complete the application process described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.

If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

For applicant questions or employment inquiries contact ETF Human Resources: [email protected], 608-267-2199. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

ETF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Deadline to Apply
Application materials are due by 11:59 pm on August 15, 2025.