how to correct a formatting issue with email template

Summary:

when a pending worker is converted to employee, a .rtf email template is sent to hiring managers with onboarding instructions. The email template includes numbered items and bullets under each. Up until a few months ago, the email was sending perfectly. We recently made changes to the email template and needed to replace the existing one. The file template is loaded successfully and maintains it's format when uploaded but for some reason, the HTML email that is received is being re-formatted and bullets are being replaced with numbers (see example below).

Anyone else experience this issue and have a possible fix?