Investment Officer (Real Assets)

Investment Officer (Real Assets)

The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill the position of Investment Officer (Real Assets).

Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $28 billion dollar fund.

OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence. OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values:

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

The Investment Officer (IO) is an investment professional responsible for supporting asset class strategy and execution through rigorous research, analysis, and portfolio monitoring.

Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Senior Investment Officer, the IO contributes to manager evaluation, due diligence, and portfolio analytics. This role is designed as a key development position, building the skills and experience required to progress to more senior investment responsibilities over time.

The IO will also support the organization's transition toward a data- and technology-enabled investment platform, utilizing analytical tools and systems to enhance investment processes and insights.

Scope and Impact:

• Supports a single asset class through research, analysis, and execution.
• Conducts due diligence and monitoring of less complex managers and investment opportunities.
• Contributes to portfolio analytics, reporting, and performance evaluation.
• Works under the guidance of the Managing Director and Senior Investment Officer.
• Builds technical and investment expertise over time.

Key Responsibilities:

Investment Research & Analysis:

• Conduct market research and analysis to support asset class strategy.
• Identify and evaluate investment opportunities and managers.
• Gather and synthesize data from multiple sources to support decision-making.

Due Diligence Support:

• Conduct and support due diligence processes for investment managers and opportunities.
• Analyze manager performance, strategy, and organizational characteristics.
• Prepare investment memoranda and supporting materials.

Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track performance, exposures, and key metrics within the asset class.
• Assist in performance attribution and benchmarking analysis.
• Prepare reports and dashboards for internal and Board use.

AI Tools & Process Support:

• Utilize data systems, analytical tools, and emerging technologies to support investment processes.
• Assist in validating and maintaining databases, models, and reporting tools.
• Contribute to AI and tech-enabled process improvements and workflow efficiency.

Team Collaboration & Development:

• Collaborate with the Senior Investment Officer and Managing Director on investment projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external investment professionals of all levels.
• Mentor Analysts in asset classes and investment markets subject matters.
• Participate in meetings with managers and industry participants.
• Continuously develop investment knowledge and technical skills.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• 5–10+ years of relevant experience in investment management or related field.
• Foundational understanding of capital markets and asset class dynamics.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Experience with financial modeling or data analysis preferred.

Education & Credentials:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Progress toward CFA, CAIA, or similar designation preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Attention to detail and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to learn quickly and take direction.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Interest in data, analytics, and technology in investing.

Why This Role:

• Opportunity to build a career in institutional investing within a sophisticated platform.
• Exposure to advanced asset class strategy, manager selection, and portfolio construction practices.
• Mentorship from experienced investment professionals.
• Development within a technology-forward, innovation-driven organization.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Conditions:

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the telephone, both one-on-one and in small groups
• Ability to operate a telephone, keyboard, computer, and calculator
• Ability to interact professionally with members of the Investment Committee, employers, peers, and consultants
• Ability to access a standard office environment
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

Environmental Conditions:

• The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences, due diligence, and meetings

Compensation, Incentive, & Certification Pay:

Compensation will be determined based on the experience level, credentials, and personal characteristics of the candidate. OCERS' Investments Team is eligible to participate in an annual Incentive Compensation Program upon the successful completion of the program requirements. OCERS offers an additional 5.5% certification pay for staff with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Additional Information:

This is an at-will position. The role requires periodic travel for investment due diligence, industry engagement, and conferences.

Benefits:

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

Recruitment Procedure:

OCERS' Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status. Applications Appraisal Panel (AAP) | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer) A panel of job knowledge experts will screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related education and experience as described above. Please be thorough in your responses to supplemental questions as each will be evaluated and rated accordingly. Additionally, please be thorough in aligning your education and work experience to the competencies and qualifications listed in this bulletin. Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation. This is a competitive process and only the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

How To Apply:

Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions and a resume attached to the application will be accepted. E-mail is the primary form of