Pensions Administration Assistant

Overview of the Department

The Pensions Unit within DCU People manages and administers the DCU Superannuation Scheme, the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme and supports the DCU ESS DAC Pension Scheme. The Unit provides expert guidance, ensures compliance, delivers an excellent member experience, and contributes to the University’s People Strategy through trusted pensions governance and expertise.

Role Profile

Reporting to the Pensions Manager or his or her nominee, the Pensions Administration Assistant plays a key role in delivering a professional and responsive pension service to current members, former members and retired staff, while contributing to the enhancement of systems, processes, governance and member experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and tasks of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Service Delivery

• Assist in all aspects of the day to day operation of the DCU Superannuation Scheme, the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme and the DCU ESS DAC Pension Scheme to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

• Working within the Pensions Team, the post holder will be accountable for administering the superannuation and pension schemes in the following areas:

Assessment of new employee and returning employee data to ensure compliance.

Management of day to day queries via a central system.

Run benefit calculations.

Transfer of service under the Public Service Transfer Network.

Provision of information in Family Law cases.

Notional service calculations.

Administration of ongoing requirements of the Public Service Single Pension Scheme.

Purchase and transfer costings.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, to include scheme members and retired staff.

• Build and maintain key relationships associated with the DCU ESS DAC Pension Scheme, including the Board of Directors, broker, Payroll and DCU People Operations.

• Represent the Pensions Unit and contribute to relevant working groups, projects and broader DCU People initiatives.

• Participate in pensions forums and pensions training as appropriate.

Compliance

• Assist the Pensions Manager in the development and updating of policies, procedures and governance processes to ensure ongoing compliance and best practice.

Systems, Data and Digital Improvement

• Work in partnership with the team and the DCU People Systems Team on pensions module enhancements, data accuracy, reporting and member self service functionality.

• Monitor the Employee Self Service pensions portal, escalate issues where necessary, and identify opportunities to improve user experience.

• Monitor and maintain the pensions website to ensure accurate, accessible and up to date information for stakeholders.

Events, Reporting and Programme Administration

• Assist with University events relating to retiring and retired staff, including the annual retirement luncheon and Annual Staff Retirement Events.

• Assist with reporting requirements including FRS 102, HEA and government submissions.

• Contribute to operational improvements that enable proactive compliance with evolving legislative and regulatory demands.

• Any other activities that may be required from time to time in relation to assisting the administration of the University’s superannuation and pension schemes.

Minimum Internal Service Criteria

National Framework of Qualifications Level 5, for example Leaving Certificate or equivalent, plus 5 years of experience, or National Framework of Qualifications Level 7 with 2 years of experience.

Please note that internal service criteria will apply.

The Pensions Administration Assistant will be expected to have the following skills and competencies:

• Experience in a similar administrative role, ideally in administering defined benefit pension schemes in the public or private sector.

• Excellent attention to accuracy and detail combined with an ability to communicate pension information concisely.

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the capability to manage multiple priorities with competing priorities and deadlines.

• An ability to deal with and resolve issues and escalate as appropriate.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build positive relationships.

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

• Ability to work independently, proactively and flexibly.

• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information.

Essential Training

The post holder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training:

• Orientation.

• Health and Safety.

• Data Protection, General Data Protection Regulation.

• Cyber Security Awareness.

• Artificial Intelligence Literacy.

Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary Scale

Professional Grade 3: €42,468 to €52,839.

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: Monday, 9 March 2026.

Additional Information

Please note this role does not meet criteria for a Critical Skills Employment Permit as stipulated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Remote Working Policy

From 1 November 2024, DCU will operate its newly agreed Remote Working Policy. Employees may be approved for up to 2 days of remote working per week, or an appropriate pro rata amount for those working part time. Any remote working arrangement will be reflective of the predominant on campus working environment and the core University value of Student Focused. Employees will be based on campus for the majority of their working week to ensure sustained on campus engagement and experience. The terms of the Remote Working Policy will apply.

For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Ms Jennifer Butler

DCU People

Dublin City University

Email: Jennifer.butler@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address. Instead, apply as described below.

Application Procedure

Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying, you must upload:

Curriculum Vitae.

Completed online application form.

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete and will not be processed.