Investment Officer

OCERS is seeking an Investment Officer to provide expert analytical and technical support for the Investment Division in the areas of investment management, investment reporting, performance measurement, special projects, and studies. The Investment Officer position will perform related duties as required and is typically assigned greater responsibility to operate independently than an Investment Analyst. This position is assigned primary responsibility for one or more central portfolio management operations or asset classes.

The Investment Officer position reports directly to the CIO and is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, plan sponsor focus, and system efficiency. The distinguishing characteristics of this position are (1) significant prior experience and familiarity with public pension funds (or equivalent) and their portfolio management operations, (2) ability to perform complex and highly responsible departmental functions with a minimum of supervision, (3) ability and proven skills to coordinate activities of trustees, consultants, investment managers, and others engaged professionally by OCERS and (4) ability to independently perform investment administrative functions as assigned.
 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

• A strong background in economics, accounting, or finance
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• A hands-on approach, detailed focus, and an ability to balance multiple priorities
• Superior quantitative and analytical skills
• A commitment to proactive compliance and risk management
• A strong and flexible work ethic

GENERAL DUTIES
The primary objective of the OCERS Investments Department is to maximize investment returns within prescribed levels of risk through a broadly diversified investment portfolio. Under the general direction of the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), the incumbent will assist in the administration and review of investment programs of OCERS.

The general duties of the Investment Officer include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to the CIO in administering the long-term investment policy, strategy, and portfolio manager oversight
• Work closely with investment advisors and public and private managers in the development and execution of investment strategies and monitor compliance and risk associated with those activities
• Assist the CIO in working with pension investment consultants to coordinate asset allocation studies and integrate results into the long-term investment strategy
• Assist in the administration and review of OCERS' investment program and monitor portfolios of marketable and non-marketable securities (real estate, timber, venture capital, and other nontraditional investments) to assess and maintain current valuation in custodian statements
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate relevant information and recommendations regarding risk exposures and performance of the fund to senior management and the Board of Retirement
• Work with financial auditors, legislative and regulatory agencies to fulfill information requests
• Work collegially with other investment team members in a variety of projects, research, and reporting activities
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification: 

Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Bachelor's Degree, with evidence of professional training in capital markets, investment theory, securities analysis, and portfolio analytic techniques.

 AND 

Three years of relevant experience in investment analysis and operations.

 OR 

Alternatively, a CFA charter designation with the requisite work experience, preferably in an institutional setting similar to OCERS.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of the CFA designation or proof of CFA candidacy
• Extensive experience using Bloomberg
• Considerable knowledge of investment concepts, terminology, styles, models, and strategies, including portfolio theory, asset allocation, and performance measurement, as well as a solid understanding of capital markets
• Demonstrated skills in developing investment portfolios, which meet specific risk and return objectives, asset allocation optimization models, implementing those portfolios, monitoring the risk and performance, and recommending adjustments to meet the objectives
• Ability to analyze and evaluate risk and performance of various investment managers
• Extensive knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and models and their application to public pension investments
• Ability to perform statistical analysis of data, prepare concise and accurate reports and present both written and oral recommendations
• Experience in an institutional investment environment
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship building skills to coordinate work flow with stakeholder groups and various OCERS divisions

Special Notes, Licenses, or Requirements: 

• A valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.
• May be required to use personal vehicle.
• A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be cause for disqualification.
• Highly desirable – a Master’s degree in business administration and/or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Related Experience
The Investment Officer will have experience in a public agency, trust organization, endowment, investment banking firm, investment management, or consulting firm with responsibility for the formulation and/or implementation of investment policy for substantial portfolios, utilizing all or most major asset classes and strategies (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate, international, hedge funds, diversified credit, real-return vehicles and various alternatives). The ideal candidate will possess experience in both research and institutional portfolio management operations.

Compensation and Benefits
Compensation will be determined based on the experience level, credentials, and personal characteristics of the candidate. OCERS' team member benefits program will be offered to the successful candidate. The competitive benefits package includes retirement and deferred compensation programs; health, dental, life, and disability insurance; professional organization memberships and tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 maximum annually; a taxable optional benefit plan; and annual leave.

For additional information and details about the benefits offered, click here.
For additional information and details about the retirement plan for OCERS, click here.

HOW TO APPLY

Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account.

Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.

You may apply on-line at the OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers 

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Felicia Durrah at (714) 569-4810 or email fdurrah@ocers.org.  Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.