Description

Under general supervision, the Associate Investment Officer supports SBCERA’s investment program by conducting research, monitoring investments, preparing reports, and making recommendations. The role supports the investment team in managing the investment portfolio and ensuring compliance with investment policies and objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
Examples of job duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist in analyzing global economic and financial markets, as well as pension fund investment management trends and new product developments.
2. Support the implementation of investment program objectives and guidelines.
3. Monitor and analyze cash flows and portfolio liquidity to meet expenditure requirements while maintaining the asset allocation plan.
4. Assist in research and due diligence on existing and prospective investments, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
5. Assist in monitoring investment performance and evaluating portfolio and manager performance.
6. Prepare special analyses, investment performance reports, and presentations for internal use, Board and Committee meetings, and external stakeholders.
7. Support compliance monitoring and ensure adherence to Board-approved investment policies and guidelines.
8. Participate in investment due diligence meetings with investment managers, consultants, and service providers.
9. Maintain accurate records, investment documentation, and reporting systems.
10. Develop deep proficiency with data, performance and portfolio tools used to manage the portfolio.
11. Collaborate with other investment staff and SBCERA departments to support organizational goals.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function above. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• SBCERA’s mission, strategic pillars, and core values of Integrity, Accountability & Transparency, Commitment, Effectiveness, Professional Excellence, and Collaboration.
• Principles and practices of investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial markets.
• Basic understanding of asset allocation, investment products, and risk management concepts.
• Techniques and methods for quantitative and qualitative analysis of investments.
• Principles of investment performance measurement and reporting.

Skill to: 

• Apply SBCERA’s core values of Integrity, Accountability & Transparency, Commitment, Effectiveness, Professional Excellence, and Collaboration to their daily work assignments.
• Use sound analytical judgment to evaluate complex investment data and market trends.
• Communicate persuasively with internal and external stakeholders through written reports, presentations, and verbal briefings.
• Interpret and apply investment guidelines, policies, and industry standards.
• Organize and prioritize work to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Use financial modeling tools, spreadsheets, databases, and performance analytics systems with precision.
• Demonstrate adaptability and initiative in learning new investment concepts, tools, and strategies.

Ability to:

• Model SBCERA’s core values of Integrity, Accountability & Transparency, Commitment, Effectiveness, Professional Excellence, and Collaboration.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and make reasoned investment recommendations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses for diverse audiences.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Use financial software, databases, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, external service providers, and stakeholders.
• Travel as necessary for meetings, due diligence, and conferences.

Education, Experience and License/Certificates - A combination of education, experience and license/certificate that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, accounting, business administration (with an emphasis in investments, economics, or related fields), or a closely related field.
• Experience: At least three (3) years of professional investment experience with multi-asset portfolios in a public agency or financial institution involving investment analysis.
• Desired Designations: Progress toward or having obtained a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation is desirable but not required.
• Licenses and Certificates: A valid California Class C driver’s license may be required.

Special Requirements: Willingness to travel as necessary for meetings, due diligence, and conferences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Some travel to investment managers, consultants, and conferences may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position requires occasional travel and the ability to work beyond standard office hours as needed to meet deadlines and organizational needs.

Hybrid/Telework and Flexible Work Schedule: This position may be eligible for a hybrid working schedule with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely.