Inflation Sensitive Investment Officer

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Investment Officer II in the Inflation Sensitive Unit.

The Inflation Sensitive Unit was developed to improve diversification of CalSTRS overall Investment Portfolio and provide protection against inflation and generate a long- term return which exceeds both inflation and the performance benchmark while taking reasonable and prudent risk. The unit’s portfolio includes investments in infrastructure, commodities, agriculture, timberland, and government inflation linked bonds. Other strategies are currently under consideration. The Inflation Sensitive Portfolio is a unique hybrid asset class of multiple asset types that will invest in a diversified portfolio of strategies and securities utilizing a mixture of both internal and external management. The unit will seek to lower CalSTRS overall portfolio volatility and positively capture long-term changes in inflation.

Under the direction of the Portfolio Manager, the Investment Officer II evaluates and recommends investment opportunities for suitability with the Inflation Sensitive asset class, performs due diligence tasks, and represents the interests of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) at events, advisory boards and meetings. The incumbent is responsible for performing complex duties requiring a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment in the Inflation Sensitive unit.

Responsibilities of the Investment Officer II include:

• Review, evaluate and make recommendations on new investment opportunities for suitability with the Inflation Sensitive asset class, ensuring conformance with policy and fitness with portfolio composition objectives.
• Represent the interests of CalSTRS at events, advisory boards, and meetings with external managers.
• Review and approve drawdowns and distributions in accordance with internal control processes.
• Perform projects and activities consistent with supporting the objectives of the Investment Branch and the Inflation Sensitive Unit, which may include working with other staff members in support of asset class projects.

Responsibilities will be adjusted at the Investment Officer I level.

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

An Investment Officer I or 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, statistics, or a related field
• Experience in infrastructure or private asset investments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Basic knowledge of private asset investments
• Strong analytical ability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information
• Ability to present information clearly, both orally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences
• Ability to effectively analyze information to develop appropriate recommendations
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate with a high degree of diplomacy and tact
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team to support team, unit, and Investments Branch goals

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.