ABOUT UPP
UPP is the first pension plan of its kind in Ontario's university sector, proudly serving over 40,000 members across four universities and fourteen sector organizations. Our purpose is to bring greater retirement peace of mind to the university sector by investing with integrity and serving members with care. As a sector-wide plan designed for growth, our doors are open to all Ontario universities.
Together, we're a team of progressive thinkers and agile doers operating within a fast-paced culture of collaboration and respect. We believe in bringing smart and capable people together to create, solve and grow with a clear shared vision and values of integrity, inclusivity, ingenuity, and impact.
Our culture is intentionally welcoming and purposefully rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation (EDIR). We believe diverse teams, perspectives, and lived experiences contribute to better decisions and a better workplace.
As a long-term investor, we recognize that environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors support risk management and value creation. As stated in our Responsible Investing Policy, we are committed to incorporating ESG considerations into our investment management activities and we collaborate with other industry participants in the promotion of a sustainable economy and society.
Join us in building a bright future for our members, our organization, and each other.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Managing Director, Pension Services, the Director, Pension Policy will create the strategic direction for and lead the delivery of pension policies, administrative procedures and regulatory services. The role is responsible for overseeing the research, development and implementation of a comprehensive pension plan policy, regulatory, knowledge management and education program for UPP.
The Director, Pension Policy will manage the regulatory framework to ensure consistent application of provincial and federal legislation and regulations. They will lead a team that provides pension policy advice, information and support to UPP's Pension Services, Legal, Actuarial and Engagement teams.
This role will also liaise with federal and provincial regulators and will lead the drafting of plan amendments.
This role is based in downtown Toronto under a hybrid work policy, allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely and in-office (approximately two days per week in-office).
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES
Policy Development
- Accountable for building out and maintaining pension policies, plan interpretations and administrative procedures, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements, industry best practices and business processes that translate complex technical information into clear, concise and user-friendly operational directions.
- Lead the development of an accessible, centralized and web-based knowledge management repository of pension rules, procedures and related information.
- Accountable for UPP plan amendments for new participating employers, compliance and policy updates, and improving administrative efficiency.
- Maintain and continuously improve Pension Services Policies and Frameworks with accompanying oversight and monitoring processes that reflect best practices and meet the needs of internal business partners.
- Perform due diligence and research on ad hoc topics arising in the pension services portfolio and provide recommendations to the Managing Director, Pension Services.
- Interface with internal and external partners to stay informed of regulatory developments.
Knowledge Management and Education
Establish and operationalize a knowledge management repository to document Plan interpretations, administrative decisions and administrative rules for all UPP schedules of benefits.In collaboration with Data and Technology, ensure the knowledge management repository is built to leverage artificial intelligence capabilities following UPP's enterprise AI framework.Translate organizational strategies into effective and efficient business operations.Lead the Training and Education team accountable for the training roadmap for internal team members, members and employers. Maintain accurate, up-to-date training and education materials to ensure effective operational performance across the division.Strategic Planning
Design and implement a Pension Policy model that delivers innovative, cost-effective and exceptional services to multiple lines of business at UPP.Design a service delivery model that is flexible and scalable to UPP's current and future plan design and business needs.Support the development of UPP's sector growth objectives.Accountable for delivering divisional results and meeting or exceeding our scorecard metrics by managing divisional resources and work inventory.Team Leadership
Manage and mentor a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.Lead a team to conduct comprehensive research and analysis on pension trends, regulatory changes, university sector trends and economic factors impacting the pension plan.Coach, educate and manage pension policy within the organization to promote the adoption of compliance and best practices.Embrace ongoing change management with each new participating employerEnsure the ongoing training and development of staff.Provide focus and clarity in establishing individual goals, driving performance, supporting career development, and rewarding individual and team success.Stakeholder Relationship Management
Partner with Legal, Actuarial, Engagement, Client Experience, Pension Operations, Communications and Training & Education colleagues to support effective and compliant business operations.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in a related discipline, such as business, political science, actuarial science or law10+ years of experience in pension policy, with at least 5 years in a leadership roleStrong knowledge of pension plan operations, including familiarity with plan regulations, Canadian pension law, governance, processes, systems and services.Ability to inspire confidence and manage expectations in a broad range of stakeholders through a proactive, respectful, diplomatic and accessible communication styleAbility to adapt to evolving requirements and priorities to consistently deliver required outcomesExperience and expertise in drafting and implementing plan amendmentsExpertise in effectively managing procedure development through conducting research interviews, facilitating brainstorming meetings, working groups and gap analysis sessionsExperience with process mapping, gap identification and development of business proceduresExcellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex and technical information into concise, accurate and plain language proceduresDemonstrated success working in a hands-on multi-faceted stakeholder environmentATTRIBUTES
Commitment to innovation and continuous improvementStrong communications and relationship building skillsProven leadership skills, with the ability to drive results while cultivating a culture of collaboration and teamworkProactive problem solverOwnership mindsetLIFE AT UPP
Do work that matters We are duty-bound to serve our members' interests, and it's a responsibility we don't take lightly. That's why we've ingrained sustainability in our work from day one-to ensure our members have a resilient future to retire into, both today and for generations to come.
Stronger together Collaboration is how UPP was born, and it's how we work with each other and our partners day in, day out. No one at UPP is just a number (even if they are excellent at math) and every win is a shared win.
Grow every day You'll have the opportunity to work on unique, once-in-a-career projects that maximize your skill set and probably teach you some new ones-at any stage in your career.
Prioritize wellness At UPP, wellness takes many forms. Ultimately, it's about ensuring our people are cared for in the ways that matter to them. Check out some highlights of our inclusive employee-focused benefits program including :
Defined benefit pension planFlexible hybrid work modelWork from abroad up to eight weeks / yearComprehensive group benefits including medical, dental, vision etc.Extended paramedical and mental health service coverageHealth care and lifestyle spending accountsFertility treatments, paid parental leave, and gender affirmation coverageEducation Assistance programUPP enthusiastically welcomes applications from all qualified applicants and especially invites people with lived experience as an Indigenous person, a person with a disability or as a member of another Human Rights Code protected group that faces barriers to employment to apply. Our goal is to create a barrier-free experience for every candidate throughout the recruitment process, so if you require accommodation at any point during the process, please let us know so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. It would be our honor to work with you to adapt our processes to ensure that you can meaningfully participate.
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