Low-Carbon & Stewardship Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Investment Officer II in the Corporate Governance (Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies) Unit.

The Corporate Governance (Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies) unit of the Investments Branch was established in 1978 to protect assets through good governance and operational accountability. The unit focuses on three primary strategies: sustainability-themed investment strategies across public and private markets; stewardship activities focused on public policy and corporate engagement, and proxy voting; and strategic relations management with CalSTRS members and partners. The CG/SISS unit also leads multiple efforts across the Investments Branch, including the Green Initiative Task Force, promoting environmental risk integration; the Committee on Responsible Investment, overseeing the fund’s adherence to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Policy; and active participation on the Diversity Taskforce, promoting diversity in the financial markets.

Under the general direction of the Associate Portfolio Manager, the Investment Officer II provides a high-level of expertise in understanding material sustainability issues and supports the CalSTRS strategy to assess and respond to the impacts of these issues on the CalSTRS investment portfolio. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment to perform complex duties related to analyzing the impact of material sustainability issues, supporting efforts to mitigate risk to the CalSTRS portfolio and achieve the overall strategy and goals of the CG/SISS unit.

Responsibilities of the Investment Officer II include:

• Reviewing and analyzing low-carbon economic trends, including those related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, transportation, industrial processes, land-use, forestry and agriculture.
• Supporting the SISS/CG stewardship efforts. Stewardship duties include corporate engagement activities, public policy advocacy and financial market outreach.
• Providing content and analysis relating to the low-carbon transition and net-zero commitment to the Strategic Relations team within the CG/SISS unit to support CalSTRS communications to provide key internal and external stakeholders with information and education.
• Supporting the CG/SISS team’s overall strategy and business plan across its three primary areas of activity: Investment, Stewardship and Strategic Relations.

The Investment Officer II is eligible for incentive compensation and has a maximum incentive opportunity of 10% of base salary.

An Investment Officer II who possesses a professional certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) may receive a 5% monthly base pay differential.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Undergraduate degree from and accredited institution
• MBA, CFA, CAIA, or other industry certification
• Knowledge of investment principles and trends across multi-asset classes, specifically public equities
• Knowledge of environmental, social and governance issues (i.e., low carbon transition, net zero focus)
• Experience with corporate engagement or stewardship
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships
• Ability to successfully multi-task and re-direct job focus when needed
• Ability to research and analyze complex issues with strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize workload and ensure deadlines are met
• Ability to present information clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team to support team, unit, and Investments Branch goals
• Ability to manage competing priorities and effectively prioritize workload to ensure all deadlines are met

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 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

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