Director of Research and Portfolio Strategy

LOCATION

This position will be operating out of our headquarters in State College, Pennsylvania.

Relocation assistance is not provided. This position is not eligible for remote work.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for a candidate that has a passion for investing, and wants to focus on managing money for people, not computer models. This team member will join our investment committee, so prior experience in investment allocation decision making, preferably in an RIA setting, with examples of over- and under-weighting of asset classes such as growth/value, large/small cap equity, international/domestic equity, and equity/fixed income is critical. Investment ideas are generated independently as well as alongside other team members, and all members are encouraged to challenge and defend any investment thesis.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

As a dedicated analyst with an aptitude for making asset allocation decisions, you’re looking to have a larger voice in portfolio management, with the ability to influence decision making across an array of investment strategies. You want to be in the room where decisions are made when it comes to portfolio construction, and like the idea of being on a small, focused team of individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of individual clients by helping them achieve their financial futures.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Research and Portfolio Strategy will lead the investment research initiatives of our Investment Strategy team and report to the CEO. This team works alongside the Chief Market Strategist in providing thorough due diligence on the mutual funds, ETFs, Private Alts, SMAs, and other investment vehicles utilized across all client accounts, as well as generating detailed fundamental research to create asset allocation recommendations across our wide array of investment strategies. As a member of our investment committee, this individual should possess a passion for investing and markets with a keen interest in investment research, portfolio allocation/construction, and manager/strategist due diligence. The ability to clearly communicate complex investment concepts at multiple levels of understanding is key to this position.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Allocation research for dynamic and strategic portfolio positioning, including asset classes, segments, and sectors
• Investment research and due diligence of mutual funds, ETFs, Private Alts, SMAs, etc.
• Writing of commentaries and presentations of investment theses
• Member of Investment Committee
• Manage a team of analysts
• Work closely with upper management and other members of the Investment Strategy team to provide world class service to our advisors throughout the country
• Act as a liaison and a product expert for our clients (financial advisors)
• Communicate investment ideas and concepts at different levels of sophistication
• Investment and operational projects as needed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Series 65 registration (or successful completion of Series 65 within 90 days of hire)
• 7+ years of experience in an investment analyst role
  
  • Experience performing manager due diligence
  • Exposure to multi-asset class allocation decision making
  • Preferably within an RIA
  
  
  
  
  
• Must have a relevant industry designation (CFA, CMT, CIPM, FRM, etc.)
• Experience leading a team and developing analysts
• Ability to write commentaries and present investment themes in written format
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Organizational skills and track record of setting and adhering to deadlines
• Demonstrated ownership of tasks and projects
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• High degree of professionalism and work ethic
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Can do attitude and high energy

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience
• Experience working with financial advisors or RIAs
• Knowledge of some or all of the following a plus: Bloomberg, Morningstar DAS, Morningstar Direct, Fidelity WealthScape, Schwab Advisor Center, FactSet, Black Diamond

COMPANY

Vicus Capital is an independent investment management firm with over $3 billion in AUM headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we build innovative investment strategies and cutting-edge tools for financial advisors throughout the country, delivering elite service and the wow factor to those advisors and their clients. We take great pride in fostering a family atmosphere and a fulfilling work environment for all employees. Our employees are entrusted to take ownership in their work; we don’t believe in micro-management. Evolving opportunities and advancement are forever encouraged.

BENEFITS

This career opportunity is a full-time salaried position with an incentive compensation package. A comprehensive benefit package is provided which includes Health Insurance, Dental & Vision Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 401k with safe harbor employer contributions.

Salary/Compensation: $115,000 - $150,000 per year