Governance and Proxy Voting - ESG

ROLE SUMMARY

The Governance & Proxy Senior Specialist, is part of our clients ESG team, will be responsible for researching proxy issues, formulating informed perspectives for Analyst / PMs and credibly engaging on stewardship priorities with portfolio companies. You will identify and help to define our governance priorities, enhancing our governance policies and developing our thought leadership with the aim of delivering high quality insights into governance and proxy voting process.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct company and sector-level analysis, distill research, demonstrate expertise with proxy voting guidelines, author recommendations and elevate proxy votes for Analyst review
• As part of the annual proxy guidelines and principles review, provide research to inform decisions on best-in-class governance norms, aid in customization of guidelines and flag ad hoc issues which may require attention outside of the annual review cycle
• Respond to requests from issuers to meet, flag issues which may warrant proactive engagement, aid in preparation of the agenda, and lead /co-facilitate engagement meetings.
• Contribute to Corporate Governance Institute research, distill implications for stewardship and partner on communication in key internal and external forums
• Support stewardship communication strategy, in partnership with key internal stakeholders, including publishing detailed versions of voting guidelines and principles, voting results and rationale, and case studies for notable votes

• Partner with Analysts on vote recommendations including determining which votes to engage further on, ensuring a shared understanding of proxy guidelines, and development of agendas and/or meeting facilitation for issuer engagements
• Keep current with industry, regulatory and economic events and trends to broadly and consistently share knowledge
• Partner with senior management and other specialists on key initiatives
• Lead and represent Governance & Proxy's perspective in initiatives and business matters with various key stakeholders, which may include the Investment Group, Legal and Compliance, Independent Directors and industry associations
• Provide coaching, mentorship and change management leadership

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in company research, familiarity with proxy voting process, and experience with ESG and sustainable investment
• Demonstrates the ability to transform complex data into easy to understand information
• Demonstrates effective and influential written and oral communication skills with a diverse group of associates, senior business leaders and the Investment Group
• Demonstrates ability to be self-driven to understand how and why things work, the financial industry and/or the connections between processes and technology
• Demonstrates ability to build internal networks, collaborate effectively, and influence groups and/or more senior associates
• Demonstrates strong numerical skills and exceptional I.T. skills, including advanced Excel skills
• Previous management experience or demonstrated track record of leading projects, mentoring, or leading and coordinating the work of peers
• CFA, MBA or other relevant professional qualifications beneficial