KPERS Education Representative

KPERS is not just about pensions – we are about people! We provide disability and death benefits to protect public employees while they are still working and guarantees them lifetime benefits when they retire. Our membership includes people from all walks of life in a variety of jobs with one thing in common - serving Kansans. Our team is committed to customer service and helping our members and employers understand KPERS benefits.

We are in Topeka, Kansas. Our education representatives travel throughout Kansas to attend benefit fairs and conduct workshops and informational seminars. Travel is required approximately 30 percent of the time. Candidates interested in this position should know:

• Peak travel occurs in the spring and fall.


• Travel may require overnight stay. Some employees prefer to travel early morning and late evenings to avoid overnight stays.


• Member workshops are typically scheduled after normal work hours.


• When not traveling or presenting workshops, responsible for answering member and employer questions that come in through email.

Benefit Education Responsibilities

Works with KPERS communications staff to develop and implement new educational programs for members and employers, including strategies for delivering age-relevant guidance to employees beginning carriers, those in mid-careers, and those close to retirement. Uphold brand and message consistency in all public-facing communication.

Create, develop and deliver workshops and training seminars to provide fundamental understanding of retirement system requirements, laws, policies and procedures, changes in legislation, and benefits payable to enhance participants understanding of KPERS. Topics and audiences include:

• Seminars to members on topics including, but not limited to, becoming a member, naming beneficiaries, life insurance benefits and conversion options, disability benefits, retirement benefits, and purchases of service.


• Seminars to members nearing retirement incorporating topics such as, personal savings, KPERS 457, social security and planning steps that should be considered and taken to prepare for retirement.


• Presentations to employers who are interested in affiliating with KPERS & KP&F. Provide an overview of what the Retirement System provides before making their decision. Advise governing body of affiliation procedures and general benefit coverage to assist them in making their decision.


• Conduct employer training for newly hired designated agents who serve as the liaison between the employer and KPERS. Advise and educate them on Retirement System policies and procedures to improve understanding of retirement benefits and processes. Requires a strong knowledge of retirement laws, rules, regulations and operational requirements.

• Conduct annual employer training for designated agents who serve as the liaison between the employer and KPERS to refresh knowledge of KPERS benefits, System requirements, laws and policies. Provide information on new legislation or updates made to benefits, policies and procedures. Provide information on new ways for employers to assist KPERS members within their own agencies.


• Deliver training to current and newly hired KPERS staff to help them understand benefits and processes. Collaborate with management to design and develop training and education programs.

Office Support Responsibilities

Monitor KPERS' email daily to answer questions from members, employers and other stakeholders who contact KPERS via email. Questions could include, but not be limited to KPERS benefits, retirement, account withdrawal, service credit purchases, beneficiaries, death claims and tax information. When appropriate may forward email to someone else to answer.

Maintain records of visits and follow-ups for review by supervisor and to provide statistics for Retirement System records.

Assist employers and members with workshop registration and monitor and maintain registration database. Distribute evaluation forms or questionnaires at training sessions to collect input from attendees and suggestions for improvements or requests for inclusion of topics in future presentations.

Enroll and update employer information in KPERS employer web portal. Assist employer staff with password issues. Schedule on-site individual training for new employer representatives upon request.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to meet the objectives of the Benefits & Member Services Division and the Retirement System. This may include, but is not limited to, counseling members, beneficiaries, and employers over the telephone or in person.

Education and Experience Required

Two-years experience developing and delivering informational or educational presentations to diverse groups or two years of professional work experience in public or benefits administration. Proficiency speaking Spanish is a plus. A degree in education, business administration, public administration, communications or public relations may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to travel up to 30 percent throughout Kansas.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Ability to explain complex and sensitive information in an understandable manner
• Excellent public relations and presentation skills
• Ability to quickly learn and understand complex information
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of defined benefits plans vs defined contribution plans
• Knowledge of personal savings plans
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of using training aids and handouts to enhance presentations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Power Point

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference on the Kansas Department of Administration website.

Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference Learn on the Kansas Department of Administration website.