Manager, Retirement Services and Senior Pension Advisor

February 13 2025
Expected expiry date: February 27 2025
Industries Education, Training
Categories System administrator
Remote
Halifax, NS • Full time

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Manager, Retirement Services and Senior Pension Advisor
Department/Unit People and Culture
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number S026-25
Employee Group DPMG
Position Type Regular, On-Going
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
Employment Type Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0 FTE
Salary $88,864 - $119,841 per annum
Classification ADM-08
Provisional Statement
This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region's intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary
Dalhousie University's People and Culture team strives to ensure Dalhousie's people and culture goals and core values are aligned and fully embedded across the institution so that all members of the university community feel included, motivated, and supported to excel in their careers and in advancing the mission of the university. Reporting to the Director, Total Compensation and HRIS, the Manager, Retirement Services and Senior Pension Advisor has overall responsibility for the delivery of administration services and communication of retirement plans sponsored by Dalhousie University in compliance with pension government legislation all while fostering an environment focused on high-level service delivery. Plans include the Dalhousie University Staff Pension Plan, the Public Service Superannuation Plan (employer responsibilities only), a group RRSP, and the Dalhousie Supplemental Arrangement.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the administration of the registered pension plan, and the functions related to the delivery of pension services. Work with internal and/or external stakeholders to investigate and resolve complex, unique or sensitive issues. This includes both ongoing collaboration and providing senior-level expertise and advice.
  • Implement plan changes as required by legislative changes or changes approved by the Pension Advisory Committee (PAC) and the board of the university. Oversee the management of policies, procedures and process documents to ensure the plan is efficiently administered in compliance with legislation.
  • Provide retirement counseling for senior leaders and for more complex or sensitive situations. Respond to questions arising regarding interpretation of policy, plan rules or legislation. Assist staff regarding higher-level issues as well as regarding retirement options and purchases of service.
  • Support retirement program governance. Attend PAC meetings, prepare and present reports as required, respond to committee member queries and information requests. Work with plan actuary to ensure plan amendments are prepared for approval and advanced through the governance approval process.
  • Lead communication to active and retired pension members. Develop, approve, and implement effective communication processes and approaches to improve understanding of programs. Prepare and present information sessions and presentations in conjunction with team members.
  • Manage the Retirement Services team including staff hiring, training, and development. Provide guidance to Retirement Services staff on regulatory matters and explanation of plan amendments as they relate to plan members.
Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a minimum of ten years' practical experience working with defined benefit pension administration in progressively responsible positions (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
  • Knowledge and experience working with the NS Pension Benefits Act, and the Income Tax Act as well as familiarity with the NS Labour Standards Code and privacy legislation.
  • Strong communication (verbal and written), presentation, interpersonal and collaborative skills with a focus on customer service, and an ability to convey complex information to a wide variety of stakeholders.
  • Excellent problem solving, analytical and organizational skills as well as strong math skills and a demonstrated understanding of financial management.
  • Previous supervisory experience.
  • Proficiency in office software with the proven ability to learn new programs. This includes experience with information systems, pension administration systems, and reporting tools.
Assets
  • Certification in the field of Pension Administration, such as the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS).
  • Human Resources Management Certificate.
  • Experience within a university or unionized environment.
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie's core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Communication
- Thinking and Acting Strategically
- Resource & Process Management
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One (1)
Open Date 02/13/2025
Close Date 02/27/2025
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter
Apply now!

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