Chief Operations Officer

The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Job Summary Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with a strong background in strategic leadership, communication, program evaluation, and project management to serve as our Chief Operations Officer. Our Chief Operations Officer position exists to provide executive control and oversight of TRA’s Pension Administration Division, Communications Division, and the Business Strategy Division, areas which consist of nearly half of the organization’s personnel. The incumbent will coordinate the business operations of the association by providing direction to the Pension Administration Manager, Communications Director, and the Chief Strategy Officer, reporting accomplishments to the TRA Executive Team and the TRA Board of Trustees. The position will also sponsor or lead critical projects that help TRA to meet its organizational goals and objectives. This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes in-person work. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role. Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience managing or supervising multiple teams simultaneously in order to meet organizational objectives. A Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Experience must further demonstrate: • Excellent oral communication, written ability, and presentation skills to articulate complex and technical topics with clarity to a variety of audiences, and provide expert consultation to Executive Management and the TRA Board of Trustees on operational decisions and organizational policy. • Proven leadership ability and interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships; negotiate; resolve sensitive matters; manage change; influence decision-making; effectively motivate and manage a diverse team; and champion a work culture that advocates for inclusion. • Supervision and guidance of employees at varied job levels, including employees in leadership roles. • Successful budget management and financial acumen. • Considerable knowledge of project and risk management principles, as well as strategic planning concepts and methods. • Advanced data research, analysis, and interpretation skills sufficient to evaluate program effectiveness in order to set goals, as well as recommend and lead process improvements. • A record of successfully overseeing and implementing interdepartmental, divisional, or enterprise-wide projects or initiatives. • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Cisco WebEx; or equivalent software packages. Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree in Organizational Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field. Knowledge of pension or retirement plan design, function and administration. Experience managing staff in a union environment. Experience working with legislative processes and/or governmental relations. Experience participating in communications strategy development. Experience leading teams providing customer and/or financial services. Experience working with and presenting to boards. Physical Requirements This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time. Additional Requirements • *Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check.** It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: • State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only) • Criminal History Check • Employment Reference Check • Social Security and Address Verification • Education Verification • Driver's License Check How to Apply Go to http://www.mn.gov/careers and select Job ID# 90681. Closing date is 01/05/2026. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Diane Clemens at dclemens@minnesotatra.org To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Diane Clemens at dclemens@minnesotatra.org Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your benefits may include: • Paid vacation and sick leave • 12 paid holidays each year • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans • Fertility care, including IVF • Diabetes care • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being Support to help you reach your career goals: • Training, classes, and professional development • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the FederalStudent Aid website at studentaid.gov) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job