Job Description
POSITION
Retirement Plan Educational Specialist TYPE:
Full time, Salary LOCATION
Utica, NY SUMMARY:
Are you passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals? Do you enjoy working with people who share your commitment to quality, excellence, and professional growth? Our client, Strategic Financial Services, is looking for motivated professionals who can supports existing client relationships and serves as a trusted resource for plan participants. Responsibilities include delivering financial education programs (both in-person and virtual), helping shape participant engagement strategies, and communicating Strategics' wealth management services and solutions. The company was recently named the #1 Place to Work for Financial Advisers by InvestmentNews! FIRM VALUES
Serve | Grow | Live CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Support day-to-day management of existing client relationships and help shape the overall client service experience. Schedule, prepare for, and attend client and participant meetings; maintain meeting schedules and document follow-up actions. Coordinate plan administration tasks with external partners (TPAs, CPAs, recordkeepers) and assist with onboarding, conversions, and general administration. Provide participant education and enrollment materials for individuals and groups. Serve as a subject matter expert on recordkeeper systems and escalate participant or sponsor issues to Senior/Lead Advisors as needed. Identify clients or participants who may benefit from additional investment services or financial planning, and serve as a referral source to Wealth Management. Develop relationship-management skills and progress toward a Lead Advisor role by gradually taking on new and existing client responsibilities. TECHNICAL SKILLS
Energetic self-starter committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Highly organized with attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to manage multipledeadlines. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills; able to listen, ask questions, identifyopportunities, resolve conflicts, educate, and coach clients. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and quick to learn tools likeSharePoint and social scheduling platforms. Operational knowledge of financial planning technology, client-facing systems, performance reporting, and CRM platforms. Basic understanding of investments, securities markets, global economics, portfolio construction, and market trends. Foundational knowledge of retirement plans, recordkeeping, participant education, and financial planning principles. REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree required; industry-specific or other technical training is a plus. FINRA Series 65: required within the first 12 months. Industry credential required within 18 months (e.g., CPFA, ABFP, WMS, or similar approved certification). 1-3+ years of professional experience in financial services, investments, retirement plan administration, insurance, payroll, or employee benefits preferred. 1-3+ years of retail or marketing experience helpful.1-3+ years of retirement plan-related experience desirable. BASE SALARY RANGE
$62,000-$82,500 plus performance-based compensation BENEFITS
Health Insurance:
Single coverage with 30% employee premium; other tiers 45-55%. Dental & Vision:
Company-paid single coverage; family coverage optional at employee cost. Flexible Spending Accounts:
Dependent Care FSA available. Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with employer contribution. PTO:
15-20 days per year, plus 12 paid holidays. Sick Time:
5 NYS sick days annually. Paid Family Leave:
Up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave under NYS PFL (67% of average weekly wage, up to the state maximum). Retirement:
401(k)/Roth eligibility on Day 1; profit sharing (0-10%) after 6 months. Insurance:
Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life/AD&D (3× salary, $200k cap). Invest In You:
$2,500 company-funded deposit into a Strategic account for financial planning. Identity Theft Protection:
Company-paid coverage for employees and families. Strategic Financial Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Pay:
$62,000.00 - $82,500.00 per year Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Education:
Bachelor's (Required) Work Location:
In person
