Policy Advisor

Why you’ll love working here:

• high-performance, people-focused culture

• our commitment that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to our work environment and business success, which helps employees feel valued and empowered to be their authentic selves

• learning and development initiatives, including workshops, Speaker Series events and access to LinkedIn Learning, that support employees’ career growth

• membership in HOOPP’s world class defined benefit pension plan, which can serve as an important part of your retirement security

• competitive, 100% company-paid extended health and dental benefits for permanent employees, including coverage supporting our team's diversity and mental health (e.g., gender affirmation, fertility and drug treatment, psychological support benefits of $2,500 per year, parental leave top-up, and a health spending account).

• optional post-retirement health and dental benefits subsidized at 50%

• yoga classes, meditation workshops, nutritional consultations, and wellness seminars

• the opportunity to make a difference and help take care of those who care for us, by providing a financially secure retirement for Ontario healthcare workers

Job Summary:

The Pension Benefits & Policy team within Pension Services is responsible for providing strategic oversight and thought leadership regarding developing and maintaining the Plan benefit and documentation, providing Plan and policy interpretation and advice, ensuring appropriate controls and risk management, as well as legal and regulatory compliance. The Policy Advisor role will support the policy and regulatory compliance activities of the section, including benefits review and delivery of the pension promise.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Pension Design & Strategy, the Policy Advisor will develop and maintain Plan policies and procedures; support the development of and recommendations for changes to Plan documents and administrative guidelines; and provide accurate and timely support to Member Services teams in the delivery of the pension promise. The position liaises with other sections with respect to Plan and policy matters and provides cross-divisional support to resolve issues that fall outside set policies and procedures.

What you will do:

• Support the development and maintenance of HOOPP’s administrative guidelines, policies and procedures. Review Plan publications, communications, and forms for technical accuracy and to ensure they correctly reflect Plan provisions and meet legal standards.
• Collaborate with other HOOPP areas to provide advice and education with respect to pension law and regulations, Plan policy, and other matters related to Plan provisions. Assist with resolving escalated cases and issues involving members and employers by drafting sensitive correspondence and other documents relating to policy and legislative matters. Develop recommendations and solutions on policy issues that are based on sound research and analysis that is informed by the Plan text, legislation, and risk considerations.
• Monitor and assess regulatory and legal developments impacting pension plan design and administration and the healthcare community. Perform technical analysis and interpretation of regulatory changes impacting the Plan and benefits, to support recommendations for action. Monitor updates to Canada Revenue Agency forms and publications and maintain internal tracking that supports tax compliance.
• Assist in interpreting and clarifying the Plan text and associated documents for senior management, HOOPP staff, members. Support the maintenance of the Plan text through the preparation of research and analysis in consideration of Plan amendments and participate in the effective implementation of Plan changes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pension administration and the Canadian retirement system
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to identify risk and apply sound judgment·
• Detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in managing deliverables
• Excellent communications skills (both oral and written). Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of management and staff, members, employers and other stakeholders, as well external parties, such other pension plans
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with team members and stakeholders
• Team player, as both participant and leader· Avid learner, highly curious, willing to challenge status quo
• Willing to assume expanded responsibilities as required

What you bring: ​

• Demonstrated knowledge of pension administration and the Canadian retirement system
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to identify risk and apply sound judgment·
• Detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in managing deliverables
• Excellent communications skills (both oral and written). Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of management and staff, members, employers and other stakeholders, as well external parties, such other pension plans
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with team members and stakeholders
• Team player, as both participant and leader· Avid learner, highly curious, willing to challenge status quo
• Willing to assume expanded responsibilities as required
• University degree and/or combination of equivalent training, education, and experience
• Registered Retirement Analyst, Pension Plan Administration Certificate or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Program designation
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in the pension industry

HOOPP may use artificial intelligence tools to assist in screening, assessing and selecting applicants for this position. These tools support our recruitment process but do not replace human judgment and decision-making.