Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Appointed by and reporting to the ERS Board, the Executive Director performs as the chief executive officer for the ERS. The position oversees the management of the retirement, disability and survivor benefits programs for all eligible State, City and county government employees. The Executive Director communicates and works directly with the ERS Board, State and county officials, the State Legislature, and other stakeholders on issues related to these programs as well as Legislative and budget matters. In addition, the position is responsible for the implementation of the ERS Board’s policies and decisions, and for providing leadership to the ERS management team and staff in developing, recommending, and implementing short-and long-term strategies for the accomplishment of the ERS’s mission, goals, and objectives.

The Executive Director’s primary functions, include, but are not limited to:

• (Board Relations) Engages, establishes and maintains an effective relationship with the ERS Board; provides regular reports to the ERS Board regarding ERS operations and issues; consults with the ERS Board on legislative matters; makes recommendations to the ERS Board regarding ERS plans, policies, and procedures; provides timely information, analyses, and recommendations to the ERS Board regarding investment, actuarial, accounting, information technology and retirement matters that affect the System.
• (Leadership Strategy) Provides vision and leadership necessary for the administration and management of the ERS and its employees; formulates and directs the development of staff objectives and operating plans to accomplish the ERS’s mission, goals and objectives.
• (External/Community Relations) Represents the ERS and serves as its chief spokesperson in matters concerning the System; builds and maintains effective relationships with State and other public officials and agencies, unions, the State legislature, employee and retiree organizations, members, and other stakeholders.
• (Business/Fiscal Acumen) Provides guidance and direction regarding the preparation and administration of the ERS’s operating budget; directs the development of ERS budget requests.

Provides guidance and direction regarding the procurement and monitoring of consultants, actuaries, auditors, and other contractors for the ERS.

Provides guidance and direction regarding the accounting operations, audits, and the production of comprehensive annual financial reports of the System.

• (Legislative Affairs) Supervises the drafting, analysis, and recommendation of legislation pertaining to the System; testifies before legislative bodies regarding matters that impacts the System.
• (Compliance) Working with the ERS Board, the ERS Chief Investment Officer, the ERS Deputy Executive Director, the ERS Compliance Officer, the ERS Program Support Staff, and the ERS’s investment consultants and managers, oversees the investment program of the ERS in accordance with the ERS Board’s investment policy statement and procedures, and ensures that ERS operations comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, policies and procedures. Experience in risk identification, measurement, mitigation and performance attribution is a strong plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law or a related field from an accredited college or university. Alternative education with degree when combined with substantial experience will be considered.
• At least five (5) years in a leadership position in a large, complex private or public organization with significant management experience.
• Strong experience in team leadership, professional staff development, managing, mentoring and motivating staff to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of actuarial and investment principles and practices. Knowledge of the general principles of fiscal management, including familiarity with accounting and auditing requirements.
• Knowledge of tax and regulatory environment governing public and private pensions.
• Understanding of the legislative process and necessary political skills to work effectively with legislators.
• Substantive experience working closely with a Board of Trustees.
• Extensive experience collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Familiarity with leading edge investment strategies.

 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree in business, law or public administration or a related field is preferred.
• Professional certifications (i.e., CPA, JD, CFA, CHS, CIMA, CMT, ASPPA, NIPA).
• Significant experience (ideally five years or more) with a public fund is highly desirable.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader and highly ethical individual with strong management experience and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. The Executive Director must be a strategic thinker, team player, and one capable of leading change in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to work effectively with the ERS Board, State leadership, legislators (state, local and federal) and their staffs, employee and retiree organizations, members and retirees, and other interested parties. 

 COMPENSATION

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications. The salary range is $300K to $400K.  The final compensation will be determined based on market, education, and professional experience. The total compensation package includes a competitive base salary (range), and ERS’s comprehensive benefits package. For a full list of benefits please visit the State of Hawaii Department of Human Resource Development website https://dhrd.hawaii.gov/state-employees/employee-benefits/.

 APPLICATION PROCESS

Kumabe HR, LLC, an executive search firm, is assisting ERS with this important search. All calls and inquiries should be made through the search firm. Nominations and applications will be held in confidence. For priority consideration, resumes must be submitted by July 28, 2025.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Employees’ Retirement System and Kumabe HR, LLC firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law. Together, KHR and the ERS is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.