Pension, Benefits and Human Resources Director

Position Type: Full-Time, Regular

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer and in collaboration with elected Board members, the Pension, Benefits and Human Resources Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Pension, Benefits and Human Resources department. This role oversees the delivery of key national operational functions including Pension & Benefits, Human Resources, and Payroll Services, ensuring they are efficient, integrated, and aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

The Director manages the pension and benefits administrative processes and their related polices as adopted by the General Assembly and according to regulatory requirements, and equips those authorized to make decisions about the church’s pension and benefits. The Pension and Benefits Board is responsible for the administration and governance of the church’s defined benefit pension plan and benefits plans on behalf of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

The Director leads the development and implementation of strategies to streamline and enhance shared operational activities including Human Resources and Payroll. By fostering collaboration, standardization, and innovation, the role strengthens organizational capacity, and compliance with policies of the national office and the Pension and Benefits Board and federal/provincial employment standards.

The Director serves as a staff resource to elected boards and committees related to Support Services, providing insight, advice, and leadership to support effective governance and decision-making.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Pension, Benefits and Human Resources Director is accountable to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

For Pension and Benefits

• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer and the Pension and Benefits Board Convener in functions relating to the benefits provider, benefits consultant, pension plan custodian and professional advisors.
• Ensure the Plans are administered in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage Plans with regard to enrolment, termination, retirement and survivor membership processes based on constitutional and contractual agreements, regulatory requirements and church policies.
• Interpret and communicate the terms of the pension and benefits plans to plan members, retirees, survivors /beneficiaries as well as ministers or employees as they join the plans to ensure a clear understanding of the requirements of the parties and their entitlements.
• Receive appeals and provide information to active, deferred and retired plan members and survivor / beneficiaries, congregations and other church employers as well as treasurers/administrators and presbytery representatives.
• Build and maintain member understanding of the policies and services of the Pension and Benefits Board and The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
• Implement enhancements, procedural and legislative changes necessary to maintain accurate functionality of the pension administration database system.
• Manage group benefits functions, policies, reporting and database administration.
• Review benefit plan performance and utilization annually with the group benefits provider and keep abreast of cost containment initiatives and perform regular benchmarking and cost-benefit analysis.
• Manage documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory filings, contracts, actuarial valuations and financial statements, governance and record-keeping practices as required for the work of the Pension and Benefits Board.
• Oversee consulting services such as actuarial services, benefits consultants and benefit plan providers.
• Promote effective processes to ensure timely and accurate remittances of member and employer pension and group insurance contributions.
• Ensure accuracy of commuted value withdrawals and pension payments to retirees. Serve as signatory with plan custodian.
• Support and coordinate accounting functions with the Financial Services Department.

For Pension and Benefits Board

• Organize and maintain all matters pertaining to the Pension and Benefits Board and its sub-committees as requested by the Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer and the Pension and Benefits Board Convener.
• Provide the Pension and Benefit Board with technical advice regarding plan changes, regulatory requirements or emerging issues that might impact the plans.
• Work with the Board Convener to develop agenda and prepare supporting documents for Board meetings. Oversee the preparation of minutes and transmission of Board responses and decisions.
• Manage onboarding for new board members including orientation.
• Prepare a review of developing pension matters to be addressed by the Pension and Benefits Board at each meeting.
• Propose revisions to policy or practice, for review by Pension and Benefits Board.
• Draft General Assembly report and attend General Assembly.

For Research and Analysis

• Provide recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer, and Pension and Benefits Board for service improvements and cost savings.
• Participate in RFP process for group benefits as needed and research alternative ways for funding.
• Work with consultants to negotiate annual group benefits renewal and present recommendations to the Board for consideration.
• Develop and implement creative solutions to improve efficiency within the department.
• Stay informed of relevant changes to provincial and federal legislation.

For Human Resources and Payroll
Provide strategic oversight of Human Resources Manager who has responsibility for:

• HR and Payroll functions nationally, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant practices that reflect the Church’s values;
• Ensure that human resources policies and procedures are developed, implemented, communicated and interpreted in a fair and consistent manner;
• Ensure efficient delivery of payroll services to the national office and congregations that have opted in to payroll service, maintaining strong relationships with service partners and local employers;
• Responsible for setting the foundational components of a compensation system for both national office and Congregational stipend systems and assisting in the strategic design and analysis of a compensation philosophy that supports the same.
• Champion initiatives that foster safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces, including implementation of key Safe Church policies;
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Pension, Benefits and Human Resources department, evaluate staff performance, promote staff development, and assist staff to contribute to a team environment.

Other duties as required by the Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent education and experience;
• Professional designation(s) such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Certificate (CEBS) and/or Pension Plan Administration Certification (PPAC), and CHRL/CHRP;
• Experience with employment standards, risk management, and governance structures in a national or faith-based context is an advantage.

Experience

• 8-10 years of senior leadership experience overseeing multiple operational functions such as Pension and Benefits, HR, and Payroll, within a large, complex, or values-based organization;
• Comprehensive knowledge of provincial pension legislation, Employment Standards Act, Income Tax Act and Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) regulations.
• Strong record of leading high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, well-being, and professional growth; and
• Skilled in relationship-building and stakeholder engagement, including working effectively with elected bodies, committees, and external partners.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational, project and time management skills with multitasking capabilities; developing project plans, coordinating projects, communicating changes and progress, and completing projects on time and within budget;
• The ability to communicate complex matters and statutes to a diverse group of individuals, Pension and Benefits board members, plan members, government officials and consultants, in a consistent and comprehensive way.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills – speak clearly in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; explains information in a concise, clear, impartial manner; deals with highly emotional situations and individuals; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates productively in meetings; and utilizes mediation and negotiation skills;
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions; considers all relevant information in making decisions;
• Demonstrated excellence in Microsoft Office and pension and benefits database software to ensure accurate and effective administration of benefits.
• Knowledge of employment equity; respectful of cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; helps to build a diverse workforce.

Personal Characteristics

• An understanding of the structure, programs and polity of The Presbyterian Church in Canada;
• Critical thinking approach with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail; and
• Strong team player and self-motivated towards moving processes forward with the ability to coach, mentor and train staff.

Requirements

• Hybrid work structure – some work to be done from the national office of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
• Criminal Records Check – Vulnerable Sector.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Presbyterian Church in Canada offers meaningful opportunities to have a positive impact on people and communities in Canada and around the world. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, caring, and inclusive.

In return for your skills and dedication, we offer an attractive compensation package that encompasses a competitive salary, excellent pension and benefits and the opportunity to have a rewarding employment experience where your contributions can truly make a difference.

Salary range – $112,000 – $122,000

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application with the title “Pension, Benefits, and Human Resources Director” in the subject line to Colleen McCue, Support Services Senior Administrator (). This external posting will remain active until Thursday, July 29, 2026.

INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

The Presbyterian Church in Canada is committed to inclusive, accessible, and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to ensure a barrier-free hiring process.