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Your career deserves a standing ovation

(and a sequel)

You’ve built a lifetime of impact. Now it’s time to write your next chapter. Encore, powered by ESI, connects experienced professionals with meaningful opportunities to continue making a difference.

ESI Encore retirees

What is Encore?

Encore offers retirees a way to remain engaged in meaningful work while enjoying the financial benefits of the state retirement they've earned and paid into over their career.

Encore connects retirees with meaningful post-retirement roles. Encore is a two-way marketplace designed to match Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) retirees with organizations that need their unique experience.

Why Join Encore?

Purpose-driven opportunities tailored to your experience and interests.

Continue Your Purpose

Stay connected to the community you’ve helped build.

Increase Your Income

Encore allows retirees to receive both their retirement pension and employment income, which can increase overall financial flexibility in retirement.

Continue Your Meaningful Work

Shape your post-retirement phase with purpose and professionalism.

Be Matched to What Fits You

Opportunities aligned to your experience and interests.

Go Where You Are Needed

Bring your leadership and knowledge where it matters.

More New Opportunities

The Encore Marketplace opens the door to new possibilities. Explore available positions with participating employers and find opportunities that align with your experience, interests, and goals.

Health Insurance From ESI

Retirees considering returning to work have several health insurance options including plans offered by ESI.

Support Public Organizations

Encore helps public organizations benefit from the experience of professionals who return to the workforce after retirement.

Define Your Next Chapter

Many retirees choose to return to work in roles that allow them to continue contributing their knowledge and experience.

How Encore Works

We provide a simple guided path from sign-up to your next role.
Click on each item below to see more detail.

Retire with ASRS and terminate your employment with your existing ASRS-participating employer.

By being officially retired, you can now participate in Encore.

Sign up online and create your retiree profile. Showcase your skills, certifications, and interests.

Organizations list open positions seeking experienced individuals. Roles include details on hours, scope, and pay.

Express interest in opportunities aligned with your post-retirement goals. After you indicate interest, your profile goes directly to the organization for review. 

Organizations review profiles, vet candidates, and select the best match for the role. Once a final match is made, you are notified, and ESI takes over the hiring and onboarding. 

ESI provides your employment details, including start date, compensation, and any applicable benefits information. You will be directed to complete your ESI onboarding and will receive your employment offer via email.

What People Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Encore may be an option for individuals who:
  • Are eligible to retire through their state retirement system
  • Retire from their current employer
  • Are interested in returning to work through ESI
  • Work with an organization that partners with ESI
Eligibility and opportunities may vary depending on the organization and position.
Individuals who return to work through Encore typically receive:
  1. A monthly pension payment from their state retirement system
  2. A biweekly paycheck from ESI
Pay is determined by the organization and position and may vary depending on the role and responsibilities.

Retirees considering returning to work may evaluate several healthcare options, including:

  • COBRA coverage from their previous employer
  • Coverage through a spouse’s plan
  • Retiree health plans offered through the state retirement system
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans
  • Medicare, when eligible
  • Veterans benefits, when applicable
  • ESI health plan options, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental plans

Individuals are encouraged to review their options carefully to determine what best fits their needs.

Deciding when to retire is a personal decision. Many individuals find it helpful to:

  • Review their retirement benefits through their state retirement system
  • Speak with a financial advisor
  • Consult with their employer’s HR department
  • Gather information about return-to-work opportunities

Taking time to understand your options can help you make an informed decision about retirement and potential future employment.

If you are interested in learning more about Encore, the following steps can help you begin exploring the option:

  1. Speak with Your Employer
    Confirm whether your organization participates with ESI and whether your position may be eligible for participation.
  2. Connect with Your State Retirement System
    Review retirement eligibility, retirement timelines, and separation requirements.
  3. Join Encore!
    Individuals who wish to return to work may apply for employment with ESI and complete the standard hiring and onboarding process.

Please contact us! You can get personalized support, attend a live virtual Encore session, call or email us using the contact information below.

Ready to start your Encore?

Your experience matters, we need you! Take the first step toward your next opportunity by joining Encore today.

Review our helpful Easy Steps to Joining Encore guide.

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact us any time — we’re here for you.
Email [email protected] | Call or Text (480) 719-3271

Attend a Live Virtual Encore Session

Available to everyone! ESI hosts a live Encore Q & A session the first Wednesday of every month at 4pm. Bring your questions!

Get Personalized Support

You can schedule a 1:1 phone call with a Encore expert who can answer all your questions.

Important To Know

Your retirement pension is subject to the terms of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state statutes. ESI does not, and cannot, control any impact to your pension resulting from employment with ESI.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your retirement, separation from employment, and potential re-employment comply with IRS regulations and state retirement system requirements. ESI does not provide legal or tax advice.

Are you an ASRS organization looking to post open jobs on Encore?

Contact us to get started: Email [email protected]  |  Call 480-719-3271