Senior Counsel -- Employee Benefits & Tax

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work.

The opportunity:

The primary responsibility of this role is advising the Sun Life Human Resources team and other members of the Sun Life US Legal Department on legal and compliance issues related to the retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and other employee benefits provided to employees in the U.S. as well as employment-related tax issues, including 409A issues. [Another significant responsibility of this position is to provide tax legal advice to the internal Tax Team that handles business tax issues and to business leaders as well.]

How you will contribute:

Working closely with and taking direction from the managing AVP & Senior Counsel, the essential functions of this role include:

• HR-Related Responsibilities. Advise and working closely with the HR benefit teams on legal and compliance issues related to their ERISA and non-ERISA benefit plans, including the use of DOL and IRS programs to correct fiduciary and qualification failures

• Serve as the secretary to the Benefit Plans Committee that is the ERISA fiduciary of the benefit plans

• Advise the HR benefit teams on new vendor agreements and revisions to existing ones

• Advise and work closely with members of the U.S. Law Department, including the employment law team, on tax, ERISA and other benefits-related issues related to employment agreements and undertakings

• Assist in the preparation of severance and other employment-related agreements

• Perform all benefits-related legal work associated with potential acquisitions that impact the U.S. business or U.S. employees

• Business-related Tax Responsibilities. Advise and work closely with members of the U.S. Tax Team as well as business leaders on tax issues that arise in connection with the sales and operation of Sun Life products and services, including but not limited to their group disability insurance benefits business

What you will bring with you:

• J.D. and member in good standing of state bar

• Prior in-house counsel or law firm experience in legal and compliance role for employee benefit plans and executive tax issues, including 409A issues

• Self-starter who can develop strong working relationships across the organization

• Deep knowledge of applicable ERISA and tax laws and able to provide proactive and practical advice in a clear and concise manner

• Able to juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Excellent attention to detail

Salary Range: $170,200 - $255,300

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.comto request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.