Position Information

ABOUT THE D.C. RETIREMENT BOARD: The District of Columbia Retirement Board (DCRB) is an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government. Our mission is to manage and control the assets of the D.C. Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Fund and the D.C. Teachers' Retirement Fund, as well as to administer benefits for the members of the D.C. Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Plan and the D.C. Teachers' Retirement Plan.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reports to the General Counsel and provides legal support to all DCRB departments and staff in all DCRB-related matters, emphasizing support for DCRB’s benefits administration function. Ensures legal compliance with all governing authorities impacting agency operations, Board governance, benefits administration, and investment management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties that occupy a major portion of time and importance of the job)

• Provides legal advice and support for DCRB’s benefits administration functions by addressing issues of Plan interpretation, tax qualification, benefit determinations and due process decisions, debt collection, and aiding with the drafting and implementing of policies and procedures to ensure Plan and regulatory compliance.
• Works alongside partner agencies within the District and Federal Governments to facilitate the retirement of District police officers, firefighters, and teachers to ensure excellent and timely service to the Plans’ membership and accurate and timely benefit payments.
• Drafts legislative initiatives, Plan amendments, regulations, guidance, agency testimony, and reports, as well as other policy statements and agency contracts.
• Advises the Board of Trustees on fiduciary issues, benefits administration, ethics, and Board governance.
• Assesses potential legal issues, matters, and risks to each of DCRB’s departments, including benefits administration, human resources, finance and government contracting, and information technology, among others, and provides assistance, advice, and solutions, as needed.
• Provides in-depth analysis of Congressional and District Council legislative initiatives that may affect the agency’s operations, the retirement fund, benefits administration, and investments.
• Prepares and makes presentations to executive management and staff on agency issues, as needed.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA, securities, actuarial principles, and/or tax issues.
• Advanced knowledge of the District of Columbia/state, municipal, or county code and regulations, the legislative process, and administrative law.
• Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in governmental pension plan governance and administration.
• Familiarity with employment and District personnel law and experience advising human resources departments (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of government contracting and procurement (preferred but not required).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee in this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks, duties, and qualifications of an employee assigned to this job. The employee may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
DCRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.