Position Information

Executive Director

Ohio School Employees Retirement System 

Executive Director
 
The School Employees Retirement System of Ohio, located in Columbus, Ohio, with over $21 billion in net assets, is searching for an Executive Director to join this highly regarded statewide public retirement system. 
 
SERS is widely recognized for its effective governance and delivery of high-quality member service.  The System is financially strong, with a funding ratio of 79% and a disciplined funding policy that positions SERS on a clear path to full funding and long-term financial sustainability.
 
The position is available as a result of the Executive Director’s upcoming retirement following almost nine years of service.  In SERS’ 89-year history, there have only been seven Executive Directors.
 
SERS, a quasi-independent state agency, is a cost-sharing, multiple-employer defined benefit public pension plan serving over 255,000 active and retired members.  The System provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to non-teaching employees of Ohio’s public and charter school employees.  A post-retirement health care program is also provided.
 
The Executive Director, reporting to the Retirement Board and to the Board Chair administratively, is the central point of responsibility for $36.2 million in administrative budget.  Investment expense for FY2025 totaled $117.7 million.  The relationship between the Board and management is positive and collaborative with a high level of trust and confidence built on transparency and accountability. 
 
With overall responsibility for a team of 185, the Executive Director has seven direct reports – Deputy Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, Government Relations Officer, Senior Executive and Board Administrator, and administratively, the Chief Audit Officer.  The Directors of Administrative Services, Member Services, Enterprise Risk Management, Information Technology, Health Care, and Building Services report to the Deputy Executive Director.
 
The Retirement Board is searching for an executive with strategic vision dedicated to the mission of public service and to defending defined benefit plans.  The Board is seeking a leader who is committed to a “member-first” approach to service and who will lead in alignment with SERS’ mission, vision, and values.
Position: Executive Director
Organization: School Employees Retirement System of Ohio
Location: Columbus,  OH 
United States
Salary:
Posting Start Date: 2/4/2026
Date Posted: 2/4/2026
Requirements Experience developing and maintaining positive relationships with members, stakeholders and policy makers is important and desired.  An executive with relevant operational experience, along with a general knowledge of investments, is an important skill set. 
 
A bachelor’s degree is required (advanced degree preferred).  Public sector experience, knowledge of federal and state pension laws, and experience working with boards are preferred. The Executive Director is required to establish permanent residency in the greater Columbus area or within a reasonable commuting distance of the office.  Relocation assistance is also provided.
 
For additional information or to apply, please contact Hudepohl & Associates, info@hudepohl.com or (614) 854-7300.
Status: This listing expires on: 4/5/2026
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Organization Information
Name:
School Employees Retirement System of Ohio
Address:


Columbus,  OH 43215
United States
Email:
info@hudepohl.com
Phone:
(614) 854-7300
Fax:
Contact:
Gary Hudepohl
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Becoming a member of NASRA offers a unique opportunity to join a community committed to the sound, efficient, and innovative stewardship of public retirement systems. Membership connects you with a network of professionals and experts, providing valuable insights into managing public retirement systems with a focus on sustainability and risk-averse strategies.

By joining NASRA, you gain the tools and resources to enhance the management of public retirement systems, ensuring their long-term success and reliability for generations to come.

What's New at NASRA: Updated Cost of Living Issue Brief

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) play a significant role in public pensions. They help retirees keep up with rising prices, but they also add costs to pension plans. Policymakers and plan sponsors are tasked with balancing three things: benefits adequacy, plan sustainability, and affordability for members and plan sponsors.
The recent increase in inflation caused many policymakers and, in some cases pension trustees, to review how benefits are designed and paid for, including the way COLAs are granted and funded. NASRA’s recently updated issue brief on the lates trends in COLAs is available in the NASRA Research Center.