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 Real Estate team.

The Real Estate units' primary objective is to provide stable cash flow and generate an enhanced yield while providing total fund diversification and an inflation hedge. Real Estate partners with best-in-class managers with common goals to create a portfolio of high quality assets. The portfolio includes allocations to core, value add and opportunistic risk strategies across property types globally.

Under the general direction of the Director of Real Estate, the incumbent provides independent analysis and consultation regarding the development and implementation of investment strategies and initiatives to support Real Estate’s strategic goals, including management of business support functions to ensure policy adherence. This position manages the day-to-day activities of the Real Estate operations team and Real Estate Portfolio, which is responsible for comprehensive data management. The incumbent performs complex duties requiring a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Advanced degree in Finance or closely related field and/or industry certification (i.e. CFA, CAIA)

• Experience in investment operations with an emphasis in Real Estate

• Experience  with researching, developing and implementing investment policies, strategies and procedures to support real estate

• Experience with fee structures related to real estate as well as operational procedures such as audits, contract management, legal due diligence, document review and technology enhancements.

• Experience managing functions supporting the acquisition, asset management and disposition of Real Estate investments, which includes coordinating the sales, transactions, dispositions, and management of cash flows and asset transfers.  

• Experience recommending and implementing operational procedures and objectives for real estate investments.
  

• Experience in operational oversight management and investment risk analysis

• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team to support team, unit, and Investments Branch goals

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.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

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: 815-310-4698-053, RPA: 0501, JC-523218
• 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 - A Cover Letter is required and must be included.