05/25/2007 09545

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COUNSELING, PSERS

DEFINITION: This is responsible managerial work directing communication, information, and education programs in Harrisburg and in the Regional Offices for the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).

The employee in this job is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating programs to educate and inform annuitants, members, employers, staff, and the public about PSERS' benefits and services. This includes planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of a comprehensive Regional Office program that provides benefits counseling and pre-retirement services; and planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of the member and employer service programs, including a member call center. Work involves directing the preparation and production of agency publications and other media. Broad supervision is exercised over professional, technical, and clerical staff involved in providing benefits counseling and retirement system information to the active and retired membership, employers, and public organizations. The employee may advise the Executive Director or other executive management staff in the appropriate method of disseminating sensitive agency information. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Executive Director, PSERS and is reviewed through evaluation of reports and conferences to determine adherence to program objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates programs to educate and inform annuitants, members, staff, and the public about the benefits and services of PSERS.

Develops strategic and operational plans and establishes program goals, objectives and policies for assigned areas.

Supervises a staff of professional, technical and clerical employees involved in the support of agency communication services, counseling and information programs.

Directs the preparation and production of agency publications and other forms of media.

Participates in the design, development, and delivery of communications material related to the PSERS’ Health Options Program.

Serves as special liaison with school retirees groups traveling throughout the state upon request for the presentation of information programs and related services.

Evaluates the effectiveness of member and employer communication services and Regional Office Counseling programs.

Works closely with school related professional organizations in the development of PSERS' programs and provision of services.

Directs the planning, development and overall administration of the Bureau operations, including preparing and monitoring the Bureau’s administrative budget.

Directs the planning, development, and implementation of services and training provided to the employers, which includes designing and offering in-service programs, providing technical training and workshops, and other liaison and training services.

Directs the planning, development, administration, and evaluation of the member service center, which includes providing a variety of services to active and annuitant members related to benefits, policy changes, tax information, and individual account details.

Participates in the development of retirement benefits policies and follows through on communicating information to staff, members, and employers.

Prepares or directs the preparation of correspondence on unusual or complex retirement matters in response to inquiries from public officials, reporting units, professional retirement associations, or members of the system.

Represents PSERS at various meetings, speaking on the operations of the system and explaining the program and the benefits and services provided to the members in order to engender support and cooperation and eliminate barriers to effective administration.

Oversees the implementation of new or enhanced automated systems and other technology within the bureau.

Reviews and comments on retirement legislation and its effect on member services and the Regional Office program.

Writes, reviews or prepares content or materials for PSERS publications.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of management.

Knowledge of strategic and operational planning techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of directing a public relations program.

Knowledge of media production and dissemination including written materials, graphics, audio, video, etc.

Knowledge of information technology and information technology systems used in a business environment.

Ability to read, comprehend and interpret written materials, such as policies, procedures, and laws.

Ability to interpret data in the form of tables, graphs, trend analysis, and charts.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Retirement Communications Manager, PSERS;

                                                                                                                                             or

One year as a Senior Benefits Manager, PSERS;

                                                                                                                                            or

Four years of managerial experience, including one year of public relations work; and, a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                            or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes four years of managerial experience and one year of public relations work.