OPPORTUNITY PROFILE. Senior Director, Pension & Benefit Services

Transcription

1 OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Senior Director, Pension & Benefit Services

2 THE ORGANIZATION ALBERTA URBAN MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) represents nearly 300 urban municipalities including cities, towns, villages, summer villages and specialized municipalities and more than 85% of Albertans. It is a dynamic and evolving association, advocating the interests of members to the provincial and federal orders of government and other stakeholders. We believe that municipalities need stable and predictable funding to support their social, economic, cultural, environmental, and governance objectives. We also believe that the roles and responsibilities of municipal governments must be recognized and respected by both the provincial and federal orders of governments, and advocate for that recognition and respect. We work to ensure that everyone at every level of government understands that municipal governments are accountable to their citizens and are trusted to act in the best interest of their respective communities. AUMA works to engage our members and develop strategic partnerships between all orders of government to meet municipal needs. Although many urban municipalities share common challenges, such as the need to fund core services and maintain infrastructure, we also understand the diverse and complex nature of our membership. That s why we re committed to developing solutions that respect differences. In January 2005, AUMA was split into the separate legal entities of AUMA and AMSC (Alberta Municipal Services Corporation). The AMSC is a solutions-based company, successfully delivering innovative services to municipalities, municipally related organizations, and their employees for more than 40 years. For decision-making purposes, there are five boards: AUMA Board accountable for overall direction and effectiveness of the organization s advocacy activities. AMSC Board accountable for overall direction and effectiveness of all services, new and current. AMSCIS Board accountable for overall direction and effectiveness of general insurance and benefits activities. MUNIX Board accountable for the overall direction and effectiveness of the self-insurance reciprocal. APEX Board accountable for the overall direction and effectiveness of a supplementary defined benefit pension plan. The AUMA Board is supported by an Executive Committee and various Standing Committees that are established on a year to year basis, to focus on emergent municipal issues. For coordination and integration purposes, there are also two other governance committees that are accountable to all of the above-named Boards: Audit Committee accountable for the overall probity and integrity of financial systems and practices across both advocacy and customer service activities. Investment Advisory Committee accountable for the assurance that the internal investment funds and those held in Trust or by Agreement, are well managed and operate in compliance with Board approved policies and various regulations. Mission AUMA (AMSC) provides competitively priced, quality services for municipalities and community organizations to enhance their stability and capacity. Vision AUMA (AMSC) is the leader in providing innovative business solutions to municipalities and community organizations. To learn more, visit:

3 THE OPPORTUNITY SENIOR DIRECTOR, PENSION & BENEFIT SERVICES Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director, Pension & Benefit Services plays a key role in managing, at a strategic level, the Alberta Municipal Service Corporation s (AMSC) portfolio of aggregated employee benefits and pensions services. This includes a comprehensive and aggregated multi-employer employee benefits program comprised of over 200 municipalities and municipally related non-profit organizations covering 14,000 employees. The program includes, Life, Extended Health and Dental, Disability (both taxable and non-taxable), EFAP, Wage and Compensation Survey, Best Doctors, VFIS, Critical Illness and a retiree program. The position also provides strategic oversight of the Pension Services area that includes a Supplementary Defined Benefit program, SERP, Defined Contribution Program and a Group RRSP/TFSA. The position is expected to creatively find opportunities to enhance and enrich the programs to become more comprehensive in delivering broader HR customer service offerings. The position will provide leadership, oversight and strategic direction to two Directors; the Director, Retirement Services and the Director, Benefit Services ensuring all current service offerings remain competitive and sustainable and return the expected financial obligations to the organization. Moreover, the position has responsibility for alignment with the strategic goals and objectives of the organization and will research, build the business cases and operationalize new services related to an expanded HR offering in support of the AMSC commitment to provide value, service and expertise. Developing strong client relationships Ability to balance the financial needs of the organization with client demands Managing vendors and maintaining strong vendor relationships Take on a leadership role in the introduction of a new administration system Developing strategies for retention and growth from a service perspective Leveraging business intelligence from other areas Resolving issues and identifying gaps where AMSC can provide key benefits to the membership identifying opportunities to aggregate new services to solve business challenges in the HR environment. Key Roles & Responsibilities Overall responsibilities Develop and maintain effective ongoing relationships with key municipal staff though continuous communications face to face and through other channels. Frequent and consistent face to face communication is expected. Work with peers, vendors and other key stakeholders to uncover new opportunities, deliver outstanding service and maintain excellent customer intelligence. Operationalize viable new service offerings related to business area. Maintain a close working relationship with the Directors to ensure that AUMA/AMSC members receive a consistent approach to all service needs. Provide staff with access to appropriate training and tools to ensure growth, development and appropriate succession planning. Implement an ongoing training program to ensure that all staff are fully knowledgeable about privacy requirements, legislation and regulatory environment. Review and manage the contracts with service partners to ensure SLAs are maintained and contracts are reflecting the current environment. If required, go to the market to determine whether better alternatives are available in accordance with AUMA/AMSC practices.

4 Work with the Directors to review the existing programs and models and make adjustments and enhancements to ensure a competitive service. Investigate and recommend to senior management new related service opportunities that support the long term health of the branch. Provide input to the annual Strategic Plans and Business Plans. Operations Management Provide oversight and handle escalations related to ensuring effective claims management. Plan review and design recommendations related to industry trends and demographic changes to best meet client needs while containing costs. Work with the Director and vendors to assess activity within Benefit Services, identifying trends and emerging issues, ensuring efficient and effective claims management processes, and opportunities to improve services to program participants. Work with clients to address issues. Work with the Director and vendors to assess the various retirement services, ensuring regulatory requirements are met, risk are mitigated, and the plans deliver value in a cost effective manner to the organization. Periodically review the relevant risk registers and revise and update as required. Provide input into the development of sales and marketing plans as required by the relevant areas. Review the annual Line of Service plans, Vendor Management plans and Marketing plans to ensure they are current and appropriate. Provide leadership at the Customer Advisory Groups meetings. Spearhead the delivery of a bi-annual HR Conference. Continuously review the plan designs with key staff and vendors to look for areas of improvement, effectiveness and recommend changes to assist clients. Ensure that the annual renewal process is completed effectively and in a timely manner. Information System Development and Management Ensure the area maintains confidential and flexible information systems needed to support all aspects of the programs. Ensure alignment of the areas information systems with the long term information management and service delivery strategies of the AUMA/AMSC. Ensure efficient and effective use of the information system to provide appropriate management and governance reporting. Provide subject matter expertise and drive the successful implementation of the new benefits administration system. Financial Management Practices and Processes. Develop and maintain the financial management and reporting processes needed to ensure the fiscal integrity of the programs/business area. Create and manage a comprehensive and accurate reporting system that ensures the Executive Officer and CFO are kept fully informed of all financial dimensions of the area. Ensure that all relevant external agencies receive the information they need, in a format and within time frames acceptable to them.

5 Oversee the annual financial cycle of the benefits program, including review and assessment of experience, recommendations for rate and coverage adjustments, recommendations to the Executive Officer, communication of changes and underlying reasons to program participants and AUMA/AMSC members where appropriate. General Provide advice and background for communicating to members. Maintain current updates on branch initiatives and report to Executive Officer regularly. Write articles and updates to the newsletters in order to continue to inform client base. Contribute to the development of an annual business plan for the AUMA/AMSC. Report regularly to the Executive Officer. Produce supporting reports for APEX, AMSC and AMSCIS Boards. Meet regularly with the Directors and peers of the department to ensure appropriate coordination of their knowledge and activities. Meet regularly with department staff to discuss operations, and work with them to make improvements in process and procedures as required. Mentorship and succession planning Additional duties as assigned. THE PERSON Qualifications and Education Requirements A degree in a related field. Certified Employee Benefits Designation (CEBS) A graduate degree considered an asset Life and Accident & Sickness License (Harmonized LLQP) would be an asset, or must be obtained within first six (6) months The candidate will have significant management, benefits and retirement program experience, preferably working with multi-employer plans. They will also have a solid background in ASO and TPA. In addition, they will have a strong understanding of refund accounting and underwriting. The individual will have a proven track record in providing outstanding customer service, and have a solid ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including: staff, vendor partners, elected officials, and municipal government staff. Knowledge, Skills & Attributes Public Relations - Is a solid, dynamic communicator with the ability to establish relationships with elected officials, municipal government staff, and relevant provincial government officials. Legal - Familiar with the legal and regulatory aspect governing the delivery of benefit and retirement services, as well as related processes and procedures. Leadership Skills - Has demonstrated the ability to lead, coach and motivate others involved in service delivery. Will fit within an open management style environment.

6 Business Maturity - Has an honest, open and consistent approach to working with others in the organization. Is a team player and people-orientated with excellent interpersonal skills. Is confident and secure. Team Player - Possesses a strong ability to work within a team. Establishes and maintains effective, positive relationships both internally and externally and thrives on pressure. Collegial - Is collaborative as well as a good listener. Has an open and honest communication style. Consults others appropriately. Highly Organized - Has the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment. Is very organized and goal oriented with strong implementation skills. Independent - Is able to work with minimal supervision. Is self-motivated and self-directed. Resourceful - Sources out possibilities; develops new ideas and moves them forward. Embraces the team culture and involves other members of the team as necessary. Utilizes all of the resources available in order to get the job done. Is creative and takes advantage of opportunities, while recognizing the necessity of working within limited resources. Communication - Is an active listener and strong verbal communicator. Possesses highly developed written communication skills. Achievement Orientation - Continuously seeks to stay current and be at the leading edge in his/her field. Is driven toward achieving results. Understands organizational challenges and is a progressive idea person. Is committed to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement in the workplace. Encourages others to achieve personal excellence. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed further in a personal interview. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Ardyce Kouri or Sonny Kapoor Davies Park Suite St. Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8 Phone: Edmonton@daviespark.com