What are the responsibilities and job description for the ANALYST III position at State Teachers' Retirement System?
Job Posting: Projects & Innovation Specialist
State Teachers' Retirement System
JC-525925
Projects & Innovation Specialist
ANALYST III
ANALYST III
$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/9/2026
Job Description and Duties
The CalSTRS Service Retirement Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Analyst III on the Projects & Innovation Team.
The Service Retirement Division is the largest benefit program within CalSTRS and responsible for the timely and accurate delivery of benefits to retired California educators.
The Projects & Innovation Team is responsible for the most complex cross functional Service Retirement assignments for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The team independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt program, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS.
Under the general direction of the Pension Program Manager II (Supervisory II), the Analyst III operates as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Service Retirement (SR) and is responsible for the most complex cross-functional Service Retirement assignments. The Analyst III must independently research, analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate and deliver project deliverables for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The Analyst III independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt programs, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS. The Analyst III has expert knowledge of the current pension administration system, Service Retirement (SR) business processes, and CalSTRS processes; the ability to research and analyze unique problems accurately, develop appropriate solutions, and recommend effective courses of action; and identify improvements and develop and propose innovative solutions. The Analyst III has detailed knowledge of the California Teachers’ Retirement Law, and other related laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
The Service Retirement Division is the largest benefit program within CalSTRS and responsible for the timely and accurate delivery of benefits to retired California educators.
The Projects & Innovation Team is responsible for the most complex cross functional Service Retirement assignments for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The team independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt program, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS.
Under the general direction of the Pension Program Manager II (Supervisory II), the Analyst III operates as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Service Retirement (SR) and is responsible for the most complex cross-functional Service Retirement assignments. The Analyst III must independently research, analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate and deliver project deliverables for the support of the new pension system and related processes and procedures. The Analyst III independently organizes, plans and conducts the most complicated analyses regarding system ability to adopt programs, legislative, and regulatory changes and systems development and deployment throughout CalSTRS. The Analyst III has expert knowledge of the current pension administration system, Service Retirement (SR) business processes, and CalSTRS processes; the ability to research and analyze unique problems accurately, develop appropriate solutions, and recommend effective courses of action; and identify improvements and develop and propose innovative solutions. The Analyst III has detailed knowledge of the California Teachers’ Retirement Law, and other related laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively analyze situations and recommend appropriate courses of action.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with conflicting priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to act independently with flexibility and willingness to learn and thrive in an environment of change.
- Extensive knowledge on applying rules, laws or regulations to customers, staff and peers.
- Expert knowledge with current and future CalSTRS benefit programs and/or similar pension system knowledge.
- Extensive knowledge of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology and identifying and implementing process improvements.
- Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with individuals from varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.
Please note that this is a limited-term position with the possibility of being extended up to 24 months or becoming permanent.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.
Please note that this is a limited-term position with the possibility of being extended up to 24 months or becoming permanent.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.
All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-525925
Position #(s):
815-434-5402-XXX
Working Title:
Projects & Innovation Specialist
Classification:
ANALYST III
$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Department Information
CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management ten times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.
In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers.
Special Requirements
Statement of Qualifications
Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. The Statement of Qualifications response must be no more than two pages in length and numbered accordingly. You must include your name and the position title in the header of the SOQ. Please address the following:
Exam
This position requires a current Analyst III examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.
CalSTRS Personal Trading Program
Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.
Background Investigation
Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.
CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements
This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
Incompatible Activities
This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.
Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. The Statement of Qualifications response must be no more than two pages in length and numbered accordingly. You must include your name and the position title in the header of the SOQ. Please address the following:
- After reviewing the duty statement, explain how your prior work experience, knowledge and abilities have prepared you to succeed in this position. Specifically, detail your experience with the System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) model.
- This position requires presenting new and complex information to groups of employees to navigate a new pension system. Describe any experience you have creating presentations and delivering them to staff.
- The incumbent is required to have expert knowledge of BenefitConnect, Service Retirement and Cash Balance processes, procedures and workflows. Describe your experience as it relates to these requirements.
Exam
This position requires a current Analyst III examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.
CalSTRS Personal Trading Program
Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.
Background Investigation
Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.
CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements
This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).
Incompatible Activities
This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/9/2026Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 15275, MS 31
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
CalSTRS, Attn: Recruitment
100 Waterfront Place
West Sacramento, CA 95605
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of the job posting for detailed instructions.
Benefits
CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:
- Alternative work schedules
- Flexible work hours
- Remote work options
- Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
- More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
- More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
- Health insurance in retirement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Recruitment
(916) 414-4990
recruitment@calstrs.com
Recruitment
(916) 414-4990
recruitment@calstrs.com
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Officer
(916) 414-4933
EEOMailbox@calstrs.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-434-5402-XXX, RPA 0972, JC-525925.
- If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
- Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
- Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
- Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $6,623 - $8,290