Senior Head of Investment Strategic Governance

Job Description and Duties

The starting salary for this position will be set competitively and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for incentive compensation and has a maximum incentive opportunity of 150% of base salary.

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Investment Services team.

Investment Services is comprised of the following divisions within the Investment Branch: Operations, Performance and Analytics, Strategic Governance & Compliance, Data Solutions, and Business Services. The division provides essential first-level oversight functions across all investment strategies, supporting the entire investment lifecycle through trade and cash management, portfolio reconciliation, and performance analytics. Investment Services safeguards assets through strong controls, while enabling data-driven investment decisions and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and investment policies.

Under the direction of the Senior Investment Director (SID) of Strategic Management and Operations, the Senior Portfolio Manager (SPM) of Investment Strategic Governance is responsible for leading the development, integration and oversight of investment compliance and governance teams and frameworks that support investment strategy and decision-making across the total fund. The SPM provides guidance across investment divisions, ensuring compliance, governance, ethical standards, and controls are embedded into the investment decisionmaking processes. The SPM provides governance of laws, policies, conflicts of interests and various risks that enable transparent, compliant, and highquality investment execution.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong understanding of investment policies, ethics programs, personal trading/MNPI oversight, regulatory requirements, and the ability to lead compliance-driven initiatives
• Ability to collaboratively research, develop, and implement new investment strategies, global initiatives, private-market structures, and cross-asset class improvements
• Experience developing governance-aligned operating models, supporting risk system modernization, and partnering with senior staff to optimize investment operations
• Strong capability to assess and strengthen risk controls across operational, liquidity, counterparty, custodial, leverage, business continuity, and MNPI-related risks, while leading risk assessments and audit follow up
• Skilled at building, mentoring, and managing high performing teams; leading recruitment, development plans, performance management processes; and developing resourcing frameworks that blend internal development with external consultants
• Ability to coordinate across divisions, senior leadership, internal committees, and enterprise partners to ensure alignment and cohesive portfolio management
• Experience developing charters, guidelines, policies, controls, and procedural documentation that provide clarity, efficiency, and robust governance across new and existing investment programs
• Adept at identifying, resolving, and preventing conflicts of interest; enforcing compliance programs; and navigating sensitive issues in partnership with counsel, ethics leadership, and senior investment directors.

An incumbent who possesses a professional certification in one of the following designations: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) may receive a 5% monthly base paydifferential. Only one 5% base pay differential is eligible regardless of the number of certifications.

Relocation benefits may be available.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

Special Requirements

Exam

This position requires a current Senior Portfolio Manager examination . If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

CalSTRS Personal Trading Program

Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a  Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act , which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) .

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990 . Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
• More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
• More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal 

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR .

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.  If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-310-4663-013, RPA: 1091, JC-527729
• If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
• Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  
• Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
• Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.