Investment Officer - Fixed Income

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The WSIB may make a hiring decision at any time. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply early.

ABOUT THE WSIB:

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $186.1 billion in assets under management. The WSIB's globally diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 17,000 holdings across 93 countries on 6 continents and in 52 currencies. The WSIB's central mandate is to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.  

The WSIB manages investments for 17 retirement plans for public employees, teachers, school employees, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and judges. We also manage investments for several other important public funds that benefit Washington’s industrial insurance program, colleges and universities, and developmental disability programs. The WSIB’s excellent investment performance dramatically contributes to the state’s bottom line.

The WSIB operates in a hybrid work environment and this position should anticipate 60% of their time in the office. To learn more about the WSIB, please visit our website at sib.wa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn.
 
The WSIB is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill an Investment Officer (IO) role in the Fixed Income unit. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Assistant Senior Investment Officer (ASIO) – Fixed Income. The WSIB’s fixed income investments are managed on a total return basis by an in-house staff responsible for portfolio management and trading, credit research and analysis, and risk management and database analytics. The WSIB’s fixed income investments provide valuable portfolio diversification and volatility control in contrast to a pure equity portfolio.
 
We are looking for a skilled analyst with knowledge of fixed income and familiarity with emerging markets. The position requires a critical thinking self-starter with impeccable integrity.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

If selected for this opportunity, you will perform economic and corporate credit analysis and make buy/sell/hold recommendations on fixed income securities in the sovereigns (with focus on emerging markets), foreign local government, foreign agency, real estate, and transportation (airlines, railroads, transportation services) sectors based on research, analysis, and evaluation of applicable financial conditions. Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and interpreting macro and micro economic trends, monetary and fiscal policies, political and social environments, and other trends affecting the assigned sectors.
• Monitoring the credit quality of existing holdings; providing fundamental analyses of countries, foreign local governments, and companies in assigned industries; and identifying entities that have improving or deteriorating fundamentals.
• Evaluating new and secondary bond issuances for credit worthiness and relative value.
• Monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating industry developments, risks, and opportunities.
• Analyzing investment grade, high yield, and emerging market bonds.
• Keeping abreast of changes in fixed income and overall capital markets, and developments in investment principles and methods.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Competitive applicants will have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or related field 
• 4 years of fixed income investment experience in any of the following categories:   economic analysis, company analysis, industry analysis, portfolio management,  and related finance experience.  Experience does not include managing a personal portfolio.
• Knowledge of credit analysis and an overall understanding of fixed income markets and fixed income portfolio management. 
• Understanding of economic, industry, market, and company fundamentals and valuations, and be able to evaluate complex investment grade, emerging market, and high yield credit instruments.     
• Ability to use analytical tools: Bloomberg, Excel, and Word.
• Oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex information across internal and external audiences or entities.
• Time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. 
• Ability to work effectively with external parties.

If your experience or qualifications differ from those we’ve identified and you think you can be successful in this position, please address this in your cover letter.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to a complete profile, please include: 

• A cover letter specifying why this position is of interest to you and how you meet the qualifications listed above. This letter should be no more than two pages.
• A current chronological resume.
• A list of at least three professional references under the profile section. References will not be contacted without the written consent of the applicant but must be submitted at the time of application.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. Failure to follow the application instructions may lead to disqualification. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

BACKGROUND CHECK:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including education verification, credit check, and criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
AT THE WSIB...
You’ll experience true work-life balance and talented, passionate co-workers focused on maximizing the investment returns for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries. The WSIB is a respected institutional investor and thought leader in its industry and we value diverse perspectives and life experiences. The WSIB is supportive of an H1B Sponsorship.
 
The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color and those representing diverse ethnicities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
 
Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
Medical, Dental, and Vision for employee & dependents, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives, professional development opportunities, flexible work schedules, and participation in the Combined Fund Drive and SmartHealth.
 
An overview of benefits of state employment and WSIB specifically can also be found on our website (Download PDF reader).
 
The WSIB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the WSIB will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@sib.wa.gov.