About TRS:

Since 1917, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS) has been securing better futures for NYC educators. With a pension fund valued at approximately $120 billion, TRS serves over 215,000 members, providing them with retirement, disability, and death benefit services.

TRS' Qualified Pension Plan (QPP) is a defined benefit plan that provides members with a monthly retirement allowance upon meeting certain eligibility requirements. TRS members can also enhance their benefits with a Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program, which offers multiple investment options and tax-deferred earnings.

We seek dedicated professionals who are passionate about public work and committed to excellence and member-focused service.

Position Summary:

TRS is seeking a highly skilled, proactive, and mission-aligned Special Assistant to the Executive Director. This pivotal role provides strategic, operational, and administrative support at the highest levels of TRS.

The Special Assistant acts as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the Executive Director, advancing executive priorities, strengthening organizational alignment, and ensuring effective communication across TRS departments, trustees, and external stakeholders. This role requires exceptional judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage complex, sensitive, and time-critical matters with professionalism.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment and is committed to supporting the retirement security of NYC educators.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Support
- Monitor and track progress on executive initiatives, strategic priorities, and agency-wide projects.
- Conduct research, analysis, and issue reviews to support executive decision-making and policy development.
- Monitor deadlines, deliverables, and follow-up actions to ensure timely and effective execution.

Executive Support & Coordination
- Provide direct, high-level support to the Executive Director, including calendar management, prioritization of commitments, and preparation of briefings.
- Draft and refine briefing materials, talking points, reports, presentations, and correspondence.
- Coordinate materials and logistics for leadership meetings and executive engagements.

Governance & Stakeholder Liaison
- Support preparation, logistics, and documentation for Board of Trustees and committee meetings.
- Serve as a liaison between the executive leadership, internal departments, trustees, and external partners.
- Maintain awareness of governance protocols, compliance requirements, and agency policies to ensure alignment.

Project Management
- Support cross-functional projects and initiatives led by the Executive Office or Operations Department.
- Track milestones, risks, and outcomes to ensure successful project delivery.
- Facilitate communication and alignment among internal and external stakeholders.

Confidential & Administrative Functions
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion.
- Maintain executive files, records, and documentation in accordance with TRS standards.
- Assist with drafting, reviewing, and managing executive communications and materials.

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ( - 10185

Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; public administration, business, finance, or a related field preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience supporting senior leadership in a public sector, pension, financial services, or similarly complex organizational environment.

Preferred Skills & Competencies - Deep knowledge of legislative and regulatory landscape governing Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, fiduciary standards, and governance requirements - Understanding investment, operational, and administrative considerations related to Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans, with the ability to interpret complex information and support executive decision-making. - Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment. - Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality executive-level materials such as briefings, reports, presentations, and correspondence. - Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to synthesize information, identity issues, and propose solutions. - High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment, with the ability to manage sensitive information and navigate complex stakeholder relationships. - Ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion. - Understanding of governance or public sector operations preferred. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and productivity tools. Personal Attributes - Uncompromising integrity and discretion, with a demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information responsibly. - Sound judgment and strong executive presence, with the ability to represent the Executive Director and the agency with professionalism and credibility. - Proactive, resourceful, and adaptable, with the ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and navigate evolving priorities. - Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization. - Deep commitment to public service, member-focused operations, and the mission of supporting the retirement security of NYC educators.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.