Chief Investment Officer

The County of San Diego Treasurer-Tax Collector’s mission is to provide the residents, agencies and employees of San Diego County with superior financial services in terms of quality, timeliness, efficiency and value while maintaining the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction. The Treasurer-Tax Collector manages an investment pool, which hit a peak of $15.9 billion in December 2022, investing the assets of the County, 42 school districts, five community colleges, and other local government agencies in the County. This position is anticipated to telework full-time, however employees must be available to come into the local offices upon request. Teleworking is a privilege and can change at any time. The County requires residency in the State of California.

The Chief Investment Officer reports to the Chief Deputy Treasurer and is an integral part of the management team, with significant responsibility for formulating and implementing policy, leading a full-service investment team, and coordinating the investments and cash management of County, school districts, and other local public entities. This position also works closely with the County’s Debt Manager on debt management and issuance and other administrative duties.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Providing oversight and leading a full-service investment team of four staff to include formulating, recommending, and implementing policies, strategies, asset allocation and written procedures for the investment of County funds and funds of the pooled money fund participants (Pool Participants).
• Providing highly technical and complex assistance to management, including the elected Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC), Assistant TTC, and Chief Deputy Treasurer and keep them apprised of issues and concerns.
• Investing available funds to safeguard principal and meeting the liquidity needs of the Pool Participants, while maximizing returns within those constraints.
• Monitoring, researching, and analyzing investment credit.
• Analyzing economic, financial trends, and marketing conditions for investment opportunities in fixed-income securities consistent with the County’s investment policy and monitoring changes in regulations and government codes.
• Negotiating the purchase, sale, and settlement of securities and directing the transfer of funds and securities to implement decisions.
• Reviewing and monitoring the County’s investment portfolio performance and compliance with policies and government codes.
• Analyzing pooled money cash flow requirements and identify funds available for investment, managing the cash flow projections model and investment systems, and working closely with Pool Participants on cash flow development and monitoring.
• Monitoring and maintaining the pooled money fund AAA ratings, including updates and presentations to rating agencies.
• Representing the TTC in the issuance of County or school debt, including investment of bond proceeds and paying agent duties.
• Working closely with the Debt Advisory Committee (DAC), preparing agenda items, and advising the TTC as necessary.
• Coordinating with Treasury accounting staff on daily operations, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Leading the Treasury Oversight Committee (TOC) as Staff Liaison and coordinating all correspondence, agendas, and reports.
• Presenting economic or portfolio updates at various Committee meetings, including SANCAL, DAC, and TOC.
• Advising the TTC on SDCERA Trustee Board meetings, as necessary.
• Compiling data, composing reports, and preparing and presenting written, oral, and visual reports for the TTC,
• Board of Supervisors, Chief Administrative Officer, various Committees, and others as requested.
• Writing bid specifications for related financial/investment services and participating in the evaluation of bids received, acting as a lead Contracting Officer Representative for Treasury contracts, including monitoring contracts with Treasury vendors and maintaining relationships.
• Staying informed of current relevant developments and legislation.

The ideal candidate will possess a professional history that demonstrates the following leadership competencies and attributes:

• Top candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field, along with experience managing local government investments.
• A Chartered Financial Analyst designation is highly desirable.
• Possess at least five years of professional experience managing a large and complex cash flow system and a multi-billion-dollar short-term fixed income investment portfolio.
• A background in treasury or portfolio management and a solid understanding of investment principles and practices relative to fixed income securities are required.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office and Bloomberg are essential.
• Experience in fundamental banking and securities trading concepts, evaluating and interpreting economic and financial information, and formulating and implementing investment strategies to ensure preservation of principal is required.
• Experience supervising and directing staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and the ability to gain cooperation and consensus through discussion with department staff, banking and investment officers in the financial community, major Credit Rating Agencies, other public agencies, and government officials.
• Possess strong written communication skills and ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Excellent organizational skills are required, with the ability to manage several concurrent projects at various stages of completion and the ability to establish and maintain priorities.
• A working knowledge of California State Codes as they pertain to the investment of public funds and debt issuance is required.
• Track record of innovation, leadership, and creative approaches to problem solving.

COMPENSATION

Salary placement for this position is dependent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. Click here to view the complete job description for the position to include salary range. Salary reviews are performance-based and goal oriented.

BENEFITS

• Fifteen days of paid vacation, thirteen days of paid sick leave, and
• fourteen paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, and Accidental
• Death/Dismemberment Insurance
• Flexible Management Benefit Package – a monthly credit may be used
• to select benefits from a group of options
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Reciprocity with other governmental retirement systems may be
• granted; for further information, visit the website for the San Diego
• County Employees Retirement Association
• Deferred Compensation Program 457 and 401(a) plans

How to Apply

To apply, please complete an online application at: www.sandiegocounty.gov/hr

To view an online brochure for this position, please visit: Chief Investment Officer (sandiegocounty.gov