The Plan Document Compliance Senior Lead is responsible for ensuring the best interests of institutional clients and internal business partners and in accordance with plan documents and legal requirements. This job reviews plan documents, helps clients resolve complex operational and regulatory compliance issues relating to defined contribution retirement plans and consults with internal business partners and clients on how best to attain plan objectives while maintaining the plans' qualified status. As a recognized thought leader in defined contribution retirement plan document compliance, this job independently analyzes and interprets new laws and regulations to determine client and operational impacts and holds discussions to influence the best strategy to implement changes for clients and impacted internal partners. This job is responsible for delivering consultative services for the most complex plans, which primarily consists of the organization's most influential and highest AUM clients and has a significant impact to the organization's bottom line.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Evaluates defined contribution retirement plan documents for internal recordkeeping problems, compliance issues or client concerns.
• Provides new plan setup and review suggestions for plan design and/or administrative enhancements to influence client in using best practices while meeting client objectives.
• Provides comparative analysis of plan provisions and protected benefits for corporate mergers and acquisitions.
• Researches and resolves highly complex operational and regulatory compliance issues arising from both client questions and from internal plan document review activities, using available electronic and hard copy resources.
• Conducts an analysis of options available if an operational error is discovered on the plan and communicates findings, discusses implications and offers alternative courses of action that client may take with internal parties, and/or client and client’s attorneys and other advisors as appropriate.
• Analyzes impact of new regulations and legislation on client plan needs and operational processes and develops a strategy to influence client decisions to align with best practices.
• Maintains highest level of regulatory knowledge and understanding of industry trends and educates team members, business partners and clients regarding legislative and regulatory developments.
• Serves as a lead subject matter expert on defined contribution retirement plan document compliance and represents department in cross-functional and strategic initiatives.

Educational Requirements

• University (Degree) Preferred

Work Experience

• 5+ Years Required; 7+ Years Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work

Career Level
9IC

Required:

• Licensed (or previously licensed) attorney with experience specifically related to Pension/ERISA
• Demonstrated experience reviewing, consulting on, and creating plan documents for 403(b), 401(a)/(k), nonqualified deferred compensation plans, money purchase, profit sharing, and church plans, with an understanding of grandfathered provisions (when applicable)
• Experience creating/updating templated plan documents based on regulatory changes for 403(b), 401(a)/(k), nonqualified deferred compensation plans, money purchase, profit sharing, and church plans
• Understanding of plan administration, plan design, plan provisions, and product offerings

Preferred:

• Juris Doctor designation, Industry designations such as QKA or TGPC
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and listening skills
• Ability to work independently, develop strong relationships, and collaborate with internal business partners, vendors, clients and consultants, valuing varied perspectives and encouraging a culture of trust and shared success
• Excellent time management skills; proven ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts

Related Skills

Accountability, Business Acumen, Business Development, Client Relationship Management, Commercial Mindset, Communication, Financial Markets Impact, Inspires Others, Negotiation, Problem Solving, Relationship Management, Retirement Planning Selling

Anticipated Posting End Date:

2026-09-29

Base Pay Range: $124,000/yr - $141,000/yr

Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.  In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans). 

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Company Overview

Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us.

Our Culture of Impact

At TIAA, we're on a mission to build on our 100+ year legacy of delivering for our clients while evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. We equip our associates with future-focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come. We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. They influence every decision we make and how we work together to serve our clients every day. We thrive in a collaborative in-office environment where teams work across organizational boundaries with shared purpose, accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful results. Our workplace brings together TIAA and Nuveen's entrepreneurial spirit, where we work hard and work together to create lasting impact. Here, every associate can grow through meaningful learning experiences and development pathways—because when our people succeed, our impact on clients' lives grows stronger.

Benefits and Total Rewards

The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well-being. To learn more about your benefits, please review our Benefits Summary.

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. TIAA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

Our full EEO & Non-Discrimination statement is on our careers home page, and you can read more about your rights and view government notices here.

Accessibility Support

TIAA offers support for those who need assistance with our online application process to provide an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. 

If you are a U.S. applicant and desire a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application please use one of the below options to contact our accessibility support team: 

Phone: (800) 842-2755

Email: [email protected]

Drug and Smoking Policy

TIAA maintains a drug-free and smoke/free workplace.

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