Associate Portfolio Manager

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 50% of base salary.

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Associate Portfolio Manager on the Corporate Governance (Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies) team.

The Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies (SISS) unit was established in 1978 to protect assets through good governance and operational accountability. Today the unit focuses on three primary strategies: managing a portfolio of sustainability-themed private market investments that are additive to the Total Fund; leading CalSTRS stewardship activities to create value through corporate engagement and proxy voting; and supporting strategic relationships with CalSTRS members and partners. The SISS unit also leads multiple efforts across the Investments Branch, including CalSTRS net zero portfolio emissions strategy, which includes managing climate-related risks, investing in climate solutions with attractive risk-return characteristics, and using CalSTRS influence to accelerate the transition to a more stable, net zero global economy.

Under the general direction of the Senior Portfolio Manager (SPM), the Associate Portfolio Manager (APM) provides day-to-day leadership and expertise in CalSTRS Stewardship Program, specifically in proxy voting, corporate engagement, and policy. This position manages the development and implementation of engagement plans to support stewardship priorities, including sustainability, human capital management, artificial intelligence (AI), and other related issues impacting the CalSTRS portfolio, with the goal of mitigating reputational risk. The incumbent plays a significant role in the development and implementation of new and innovative policies, guidelines, and strategies and contributes to the overall investment program decision making.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Demonstrated public market stewardship experience, including proxy voting, company engagements and policy.

• Ability to develop and implement strategies and policies to achieve stewardship priorities.

• Experience supporting private market stewardship activities, including governance best practices in due diligence and oversight.

• Experience leading, coaching, developing or mentoring staff.

• Ability to work effectively as a team player and collaborate on key priorities within SISS and across the Investment Branch.

• Manage strategic relationship and partnerships to advance CalSTRS goals and initiatives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience speaking on external investor panels and regulatory forums.

• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and execution of formal policies, procedures, and guidelines for sustainable investment and stewardship strategies.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to compliance with policies, procedures, and audit requirements.

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 Associate 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: 815-350-4698-007, RPA: 1027, JC-527403
• 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.
• Other -

  Cover Letter - A Cover Letter is required and must be included.