What are the responsibilities and job description for the INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I position at State Teachers' Retirement System?
The CalSTRS BenefitConnect Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Information Technology Specialist I on the Test Team.
The BenefitConnect system, CalSTRS’ new pension administration software, was deployed in September 2025. The BenefitConnect Division was subsequently established to support CalSTRS staff who rely on the system to perform the processes essential to serving California’s public educators and their beneficiaries. The Division provides this support by assessing user needs and implementing system enhancements that address those requirements. This work requires comprehensive knowledge of pension and benefit administration practices, as well as a deep understanding of the BenefitConnect application, to effectively serve the operational needs of the Benefits and Services Branch and the Financial Services Branch.
Under the direction of the BenefitConnect (BC) Test Team Supervisor (IT Supervisor II), the Business Analyst (Information Technology Specialist I) is responsible for working with team resources and agency stakeholders to gain an understanding of pension functional processes, perform business analysis and testing, propose solutions for BenefitConnect needs, and contribute to the Software Development Life Cycle tasks as assigned.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
- A focus on understanding user needs and business objectives, ensuring that testing outcomes align closely with stakeholder expectations and Benefit Connect project goals.
- Familiarity with various Software Development Life Cycle methodologies, particularly in coordinating with vendors and understanding system requirements.
- Comprehensive knowledge of business processes, operational efficiency strategies, and the ability to perform gap analysis for process improvement.
- Expertise in creating and maintaining detailed documentation, process flows, and presentations to communicate findings and solutions clearly.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to establish processes, standards, and practices that ensure timely and cost-effective completion of projects.
- Knowledge of business analytics tools and software, such as Jama, as well as experience with data modeling techniques and quality assurance processes.
- The ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and facilitate collaboration among diverse teams.
- Excellent communication skills for advising executive leadership and stakeholders on critical issues, ensuring effective governance and decision-making practices.
Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.
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.
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.