Job Posting: Investment Officer – ESG Stewardship

State Teachers' Retirement System

JC-210920
-
Investment Officer – ESG Stewardship
INVESTMENT OFFICER II, STATE TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM

$6,826.00 - $8,543.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 8/24/2020

Job Description and Duties

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Investment Officer II in the Corporate Governance (Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies) Unit.

The Corporate Governance (Sustainable Investment & Stewardship Strategies) unit of the Investments Branch was established in 1978 to protect assets through good governance and operational accountability. The unit focuses on three primary strategies: sustainability-themed investment strategies across public and private markets; stewardship activities focused on public policy and corporate engagement, and proxy voting; and strategic relations management with CalSTRS members and partners. The SISS unit also leads multiple efforts across the Investments Branch, including the Green Initiative Task Force, promoting environmental risk integration; the Committee on Responsible Investment, overseeing the fund’s adherence to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Policy; and the Diversity Taskforce, promoting diversity in the financial markets.

Under the general direction of the Portfolio Manager, the Investment Officer II provides a high-level of environmental, social and governance (ESG) stewardship and strategic relations expertise for the CalSTRS portfolio. The Investment Officer II is responsible for performing a wide range of complex duties requiring a high degree of independence, confidentiality and discretionary judgment to help achieve the overall strategies and goals of the CG/SISS unit.

Responsibilities of the Investment Officer II include:
  • Working with the Portfolio Managers, help implement the CG/SISS stewardship program, which includes ESG-related engagements and stewardship activities, focusing on environmental issues.
  • Working with the Strategic Relations team and assist in formulating and implementing strategies to inform and educate CalSTRS members, beneficiaries, trustees, stakeholders and other interested parties on CalSTRS’ initiatives and activities around ESG-related engagements and stewardship activities.
  • Supporting the Stewardship leadership team in planning and executing stewardship activities related to social and governance-related issues, including corporate engagement efforts, collaborative initiatives and financial market outreach.
  • Representing CalSTRS at a variety of ESG-related activities including, but not limited to, conferences, seminars, manager meetings, and presentations before the Teachers’ Retirement Board.
    This position is eligible for incentive compensation and has a maximum incentive opportunity of 10% of base salary.

    An incumbent who possesses a professional certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) may receive a 5% monthly base pay differential.

    The ideal candidate will be an innovative self-starter with stakeholder engagement experience, and a strong understanding of sustainability and how it is applied to investments.

    Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

    COVID-19 Impacts to Working at CalSTRS

    CalSTRS has temporarily adopted telework for employees who can perform their essential work functions remotely. In addition, CalSTRS employees are subject to the provisions of the State of California’s Personal Leave Program 2020, receiving additional paid leave in exchange for a 9.23% reduction in base salary.

    You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

    Minimum Requirements

    You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

    Additional Documents

    Position Details

    Job Code #:
    JC-210920
    Position #(s):
    815-350-7339-004
    Working Title:
    Investment Officer – ESG Stewardship
    Classification:
    INVESTMENT OFFICER II, STATE TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
    $6,826.00 - $8,543.00
    # of Positions:
    1
    Work Location:
    Yolo County
    Job Type:
    Permanent, Full Time

    Department Information

    The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. CalSTRS proudly provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California’s 964,000 public school educators and their families.

    The Investments Branch manages the investment portfolio for the nation’s second largest public pension fund; providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California’s more than 964,000 K-12 teachers, plus community college educators and their families. The Investments Branch manages a portfolio that is broadly diversified into seven asset categories with assets totaling approximately $242.8 billion as of May 31, 2020. In 2019, the CalSTRS Investments Branch was named in Pensions & Investments magazine’s “Best Places to Work in Money Management” list for the fifth time since 2013, and our employees continue to support an inclusive environment.

    We encourage you to join our world-class financial services institution and state agency. Our headquarters and member service centers located across the state feature sustainable construction, plenty of natural lighting and functionally-designed work spaces. At our LEED Platinum headquarters in West Sacramento, enjoy the full service cafe, free onsite fitness center, bicycle library and walks along the Sacramento River. In addition to state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing learning and development opportunities.

    Special Requirements

    Statement of Qualifications

    Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ should be a narrative discussion of your experience and education as it relates to the Desirable Qualifications listed on the job posting. Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to a formal interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all responses thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font.

    Exam

    This position requires a current Investment Officer II, CalSTRS Exam. If you need to take the exam or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

    Background Investigation

    Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

    The position may be subject to the disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, pursuant to the CalSTRS Conflict of Interest Code and the Political Reform Act.

    This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

    Application Instructions

    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

    Final Filing Date: 8/24/2020

    Who May Apply

    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

    Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.     Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply

    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    State Teachers' Retirement System
    Attn: Recruitment
    P.O. Box 15275, MS 31
    Sacramento, CA 95851-0275

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    CalSTRS, Attn: Recruitment
    100 Waterfront Place
    West Sacramento, CA 95605
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for detailed instructions.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    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:
    • Knowledge of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues
    • Strong understanding of sustainability and how it is applied to investments
    • Experience working with external stakeholders
    • Knowledge of principles and trends across public asset classes
    • Experience developing and implementing investment strategies
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • 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 establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships
    • Ability to successfully multi-task and re-direct job focus when needed
    • Ability to prioritize and ensure deadlines are met
    • Ability to research and analyze complex issues with strong attention to detail
    • Ability to work independently, exercising a high degree of initiative, independence, and discretionary judgment
    • Ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team to support team, unit, and Investments Branch goals
    • Ability to manage competing priorities and effectively prioritize workload to ensure all deadlines are met
    • Ability to maintain a high degree of diplomacy and tact while interfacing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

    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.

    Contact Information

    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

    Human Resources Contact:
    Recruitment
    (916) 414-4990
    Recruitment@calstrs.com

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

    EEO Contact:
    EEO Officer
    (916) 414-4933
    adacoordinator@calstrs.com
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

    • Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: RPA 4622, JC-210920
    • If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
    • Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
    • Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.