Participant Engagement Consultant

Primary Purpose:

Responsible for planning and implementing the participant communication and engagement strategy for retirement plans sold and serviced by Ascensus. Represent Ascensus as the subject-matter-expert and primary point of contact in developing effective participant education programs for plan sponsors and participants. Conduct participant communication meetings and organize all forms of participant communication mediums with a goal to produce measurable results.  Actively participate in RIS new business efforts, presenting in sales presentations for prospects and annual relationship reviews with existing clients. Act as liaison between RIS and IRM partners to generate referral opportunities and execute on other department initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Keep abreast of laws, regulations and trends and other issues that may affect plan participation.
• Develop a broad understanding and ability to present effectively our capabilities relating to retirement readiness and IRM efforts across Ascensus.
• Consult with prospects and plan sponsors to develop a communication strategy that will drive positive results and meet the needs of plan participants considering the demographics of the workforce and education levels of participants.
• Establish and conduct retirement readiness, enrollment, conversion and other financial education meetings, webinars and Leadership Training programs according to guidelines.
• Maximize participation in the Plan and increase participant savings rates. Track, gather, evaluate and report meeting results.
• Work directly with the Plan Sponsor and Client Relationship Manager on the most effective education medium for each Plan and offer recommendations.
• Independently create plan specific presentation content referencing legal plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions and Investment Policy Statements.
• Provide basic retirement planning, investment and financial wellness education including workshop-based seminars, targeted mailing campaigns, webinars and videos.
• Ensure that Plan Sponsors and participants receive a quality communication meeting through the completion of regular client and participant surveys.
• Report participant communication activity for all programs conducted and ensure that appropriate fees are assessed.
• Actively participate in new business efforts including developing and lead the participant communication services portion in presentations for prospects.
• Look for cross selling opportunities within existing client relationships to improve the participant experience and bring additional revenue and/or referral opportunities.
• Assist with special participant communication team projects and serve as a mentor and resource for new communications specialist team members.

Minimum Required Skills or Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and related training
• 2-3 years of experience in defined contribution industry or related field
• Series 65 license preferred (Registered Investment Advisor)
• Accreditation in employee benefits, investments or equivalent (ASPPA examinations)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Consultative selling skills
• Experienced public speaking and presentation skills
• Project management skills, including the ability to multitask and organize priorities
• Proficient in the use of computers and various software applications
• Ability to travel, occasionally overnight

Preferred Skills or Competencies:

• Public speaking or presentation skills
• 2-3 years of direct experience as a Participant Engagement Consultant for employee benefit accounts
• A solid foundation and understanding of 401(k) plan administration and regulations
• Proven written skills and the ability to develop effective presentations