Marquette was founded in 1986 with the sole objective of providing investment consulting at the highest caliber of service. Our expertise is grounded in our commitment to client service — our team aims to be a trusted partner and as fiduciaries, our clients’ interests and objectives are at the center of everything we do. Our approach brings together the real-world experience of our people and our dedication to creativity and critical thinking in order to empower our clients to meet their goals.
The role of the Defined Contribution Specialist is to support the defined contribution efforts of the firm through the development of expert knowledge and dissemination of industry best practices through research and analysis to a variety of internal team members.
Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct research and due diligence on defined contribution service providers such as plan recordkeepers, custodians, managed accounts, and investments managers
- Collaborate with Marquette’s Research team to support manager due diligence and ongoing DC efforts such as retirement income, target date funds, and core menu design
- Assist in the creation of education materials such as investment basics, financial wellness, financial planning, and other related topics.
- Support the development and communication of the firm’s views on defined contribution benefits to current clients and the internal client team
- Research and monitor defined contribution plan industry trends including investment, regulatory, and fiduciary trends
- Serve as a member of the firm’s Defined Contribution Services Committee
- Meet with DC industry experts such as recordkeepers, investment managers, plan sponsors, and ERISA experts
- Support consultants in their efforts to present advice and education to plan sponsors
- Collaborate on new business efforts; develop and maintain Marketing RFP responses and materials
- Write papers on topical and academic research topics related to defined contribution plans such as plan governance and fiduciary best practices, plan design features, investment menu, behavioral finance, financial wellness, retirement planning, etc.
- Other projects as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3 – 5 years of defined contribution retirement plan experience
- Client service experience and baseline knowledge of defined contribution plans such as 401(k), 403(b), 457, etc.
- Progress towards interest in completing an industry designation such as CFA, CAIA, CFP, CIMA, AIF, C(k)P, CRC, CRSP, CRPS, PPC (or similar)
- Ability to write summaries, white papers, and other internal and external communications
- Experience with retirement plan participant education such as investment education, financial planning, and financial wellness
- Strong attention to detail and highly organized with ability to work independently to meet deadlines
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and react to change positively
- Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new software applications
- Critical thinking skills, a self-starter with excellent follow-up abilities
- Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule, Chicago-based preferred
- Professional communication and interpersonal skills
BENEFITS WE OFFER:
Top tier healthcare coverage
100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage
Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA options
Company 401K contribution
Hybrid work policy
Paid time off & 15+ holidays
Summer hours
Enhanced employee assistance program
Volunteer opportunities
Tuition and education reimbursement
Company-wide events
Marquette Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
