Departments

The Building Services Department is responsible for day-to-day building operations including building maintenance, cleaning, grounds keeping, construction and building improvement projects, engineering, utilities, food service and meeting room scheduling.

STRS Ohio provides quality, on-site child care for children of associates that is paid for by associates with enrolled children. The program, which enrolls children age 8 weeks to 5 years, is based on a child development philosophy that provides an accepting, warm and secure environment.

The program is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. A combination of child-directed and teacher-guided learning is designed to stimulate and challenge children.

Associates in Communications and Public Affairs develop and maintain effective, timely communications with the STRS Ohio membership and other key audiences. Graphic designers, writers and other specialists strategize and produce a variety of printed and web-based communications materials for active and retired members, employers and STRS Ohio associates. Communications and Public Affairs associates also provide public relations counsel, editorial services, media relations, Internet-based communications and special event planning.

The STRS Ohio Executive area consists of the executive director, Governmental Relations, General Counsel, Internal Audit, executive support and the board liaison.

The STRS Ohio Finance Department serves important accounting and administrative functions. Accounting responsibilities include keeping accurate, general ledger accounting records for STRS Ohio departments, working with independent auditors and actuaries to prepare and verify auditing and financial reports, and processing incoming receipts from contributing employers.

The department’s administrative duties include accounting, processing and reporting employer contributions, and keeping timely, accurate records of member accounts.

STRS Ohio’s Human Resource Services Department performs a variety of functions, including human resources planning and analysis, staffing, human resources development, compensation and benefits administration, labor/management relations, Equal Employment Opportunity compliance and management of the STRS Ohio Wellness Program.

The Information Technology Services (ITS) Department develops and maintains state-of-the-art information systems that increase the system’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. ITS works closely with all areas of the organization to understand technology needs and to recommend and implement solutions. A team approach ensures the focus on quality service.

STRS Ohio investments are professionally managed by associates who oversee a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed-income, real estate, international and alternative investments.

The Investment Department is divided into areas of specialty requiring a high level of expertise. It is comprised of professionals who specialize in stocks and research, fixed-income ( such as Treasury and agency securities, bonds and guaranteed mortgages), real estate investments, asset management, international investments and alternative investments.

The associates in the Member Benefits Department serve as “ambassadors” for STRS Ohio providing quality service to active and retired Ohio educators. The department consists of three areas: Member Services, Benefits Administration and Health Care Services.

Member Services consists of Counseling Services, the Member Services Center and Member Education. Benefits counselors help thousands of educators transition from a successful career to retirement each year. Member service representatives answer thousands of calls annually covering the entire spectrum of benefits and services provided by STRS Ohio. Member education specialists travel throughout the state to provide seminars on STRS Ohio benefits and financial planning.

Benefits Administration associates are responsible for updating member records, calculating and paying benefits, processing changes to accounts, preparing data for annual statements and validating the accuracy of member records.

Health Care Services develops, manages and administers the STRS Ohio Health Care Program for retirees, survivors and dependents. The program offers a choice of health care plans that include coverage for hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. Optional dental and vision plans are also offered.

Office Services includes the Mail Center, Supply Center, and Shipping and Receiving. Associates in these areas have the opportunity to come in contact with every department at STRS Ohio.

Mail Center associates sort approximately 1,200 pieces of incoming mail and meter about 2,500 outgoing pieces each day. In addition, they learn the U.S. Postal Service regulations; use logistical problem-solving skills for package delivery; and train with other Office Services departments.

Associates in Shipping and Receiving handle about 400 deliveries of equipment and supplies each month, while Supply Center associates distribute approximately 3,000 items monthly from about 200 requisitions received from STRS Ohio associates.

Purchasing functions at STRS Ohio include buying copiers, fax machines, vehicles for field counselors and office furniture and supplies. Service contracts and repair calls, invoice approvals and price negotiations also are handled in this area.

The Security & Safety Department maintains a safe and healthy work environment for STRS Ohio’s members, visitors and associates. The protection of STRS Ohio property and grounds, as well as the safety of all individuals visiting and employed in the facility, are priorities for the department. Security services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week.