The Ontario Public Service Employees Union/Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario (OPSEU/SEFPO) is seeking a retiree to represent OPSEU/SEFPO as a Trustee on the CAAT Pension Plan. This Trustee position rotates between OPSEU/SEFPO CAAT Support, OPSEU/SEFPO CAAT Academic and Ontario College Administrative Staff Association (OCASA). The appointment currently held by CAAT Support expires December 31, 2024. The next appointment is to be made from the OPSEU/SEFPO CAAT Academic retiree group. The appointment has a three year term, commencing January 1, 2025 and expiring on December 31, 2027.
The twelve-member Board of Trustees has a fiduciary responsibility to all active and retired plan members and is responsible for the administration and investments of the CAAT Pension Plan. A demonstrated ability to understand complex issues and experience in representing the interests of diverse groups is preferred.
Experience in any of the following areas would also be considered an asset:
- An understanding of the post-secondary education system in Ontario, the various employee groups, the industries in which participating employers operate, and the Plan;
- Financial accounting, budgeting, and planning;
- Pension plan design, operation, regulatory frameworks;
- Investments, i.e., an understanding of basic investment principles, capital markets, and financial securities;
- Labour/management relations, negotiations, and contracts;
- Actuarial principles and concepts;
- Governance and oversight;
- Financial and operational risk management;
- Information technology;
- Strategic planning;
- Marketing; and
- Communications and public relations.
The Board of Trustees typically meets seven times per year based on the following schedule:
- Last week of February
- Mid-April
- Last week of May
- Mid-June
- Mid-September
- Last week of November
The CAAT Pension Plan office is located in Toronto and governance meetings are generally held in Toronto or virtually using Microsoft Teams. Travel and other expenses are reimbursed by the pension plan per plan policy. A small honorarium/stipend is provided for attending meetings to acknowledge your time and commitment.
The successful candidate must be willing to sign a letter of understanding that requires among other things that expenses will be claimed only as per OPSEU/SEFPO policies. In addition, the Board of Trustees has established a Code of Conduct to assist Trustees in better understanding the fiduciary duties, professional, and personal standards of conduct that are expected of them. In addition to attending meetings, actively participating in meetings, and preparing for meetings by reviewing meeting materials, Trustees are expected to participate in educational activities and programs of the Board. The Orientation and Education Policy states that Trustees have a responsibility to become knowledgeable and informed about the areas relating to their position and this requires an element of self-education on the part of each Trustee. Further, to facilitate Trustees’ knowledge and skills development, Trustees are encouraged to pursue completion of an external governance program (e.g. the Chartered Director Program from Degroote School of Business at McMaster University or ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program) within their term. Education expenses will be paid and/or reimbursed based on the Education Policy for the Board of Trustees.
To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be a CAAT Academic retiree who is receiving a pension from the CAAT Pension Plan. Candidates seeking this position should send their resume and brief cover letter by October 25, 2024 to Cheri Hearty, Supervisor, Pension & Benefits Unit. The preferred method of application is via email to chearty@opseu.org or fax to 905-712-3009. OPSEU/SEFPO strongly believes in the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and therefore should you belong to an equity seeking group, we encourage you to self identify so that this can be considered.
If you are unable to send your application via email or fax you can mail it to:
OPSEU/SEFPO Pension & Benefits Unit
5757 Coopers Ave
Mississauga ON L5C 3A7
Attn: Cheri Hearty, Supervisor
Please indicate the college you retired from in your application. Please note this position is open only to those meeting the following criteria:
- Retired employee of Ontario colleges; AND,
- Member of the Academic bargaining unit at their date of retirement; AND
- Receiving a pension from the CAAT Pension Plan.
The OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board approves all OPSEU/SEFPO pension appointments. A selection committee will interview candidates and will then make recommendations to the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board. Interviews will take place virtually on a date to be determined. All candidates will be notified in writing as to the outcome.