STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Investment Officer

Recruitment #220713-1224MP-002

Introduction

The Office of the State Treasurer exists to provide and ensure effective financial management of public resources, high standards of professionalism and integrity, and expanding opportunity for State of Connecticut residents and businesses.

We are recruiting for an Investment Officer to support the Pension Fund Division.  This is a full-time (40 hours per week, Monday - Friday) position, centrally located in Hartford, CT.  In the Investment Division of the Office of the State Treasurer, this class is accountable for managing one or more investment programs or trust funds (e.g., real estate, short term, equities, international trade, etc.).

This position reports to the Principal Investment Officer for Corporate Governance and Sustainable Investment, and assists in planning, directing, and coordinating the implementation of the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF) corporate governance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs.

The Office of the Treasurer offers an excellent salary and offers a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! 

NOTE:  Minimum Required Experience:  Minimum five years' full-time work experience performing business-related research and writing on current economic, public policy or business/finance issues for public distribution; Minimum Educational Requirements:  Bachelor of Arts or Science in business, finance, public policy or economics.

Selection Plan

State employees currently holding the above title or those who have previously attained permanent status in the class may apply for a lateral transfer.  Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Office of the State Treasurer are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  Please ensure that your application is complete prior to submitting.  NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, supervisory references, attendance records, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Should you have questions pertaining to any phase of this recruitment, please contact Johnette Tolliver, johnette.tolliver@ct.gov, 860-702-3005.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications, including your SPAM/JUNK folders. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements and preferred qualifications of the position.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to johnette.tolliver@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Investment Division of the Office of the State Treasurer, this class is accountable for managing one or more investment programs or trust funds (e.g., real estate, short term, equities, international trade, etc.).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Plans, directs and coordinates the implementation and operation of an investment program or trust fund (e.g., real estate, short term, equities, international trade etc.); maintains close contact with government and private sector officials (e.g., investment banking firm employees, external investment advisors, financial consultants, bank officials, corporate treasurers, clients of the Investment Division, etc.); conducts periodic reviews of on-going investment programs and recommends changes in strategy as required; stays informed on events and other factors which could affect investment programs; conducts feasibility reviews of potential investments and makes appropriate recommendations; analyzes economic indicators in investment markets; decides priorities of investment options; maintains appropriate performance records; prepares reports requested by the State Treasurer; performs related duties as required.

In addition to those listed above, the following duties are specific to this position:
  • Lead and participate in engagement discussions with portfolio companies; coordinate with other institutional investors and their advocacy organizations on corporate governance and related issues; draft updates to proxy voting guidelines;
  • Draft letters to portfolio companies, shareholder resolutions, comment letters to regulatory agencies and policy makers, and testimony;
  • Analyze ESG issues for input in the search processes for investment managers and consultants;  participate in drafting requests for proposals; review and analyze responses; participate in interviews;
  • Provide technical expertise on key issues related to ESG and on sustainability risks in the design, preparation, implementation and supervision of the CRPTF’s assets, taking into consideration best industry practices and standards; and
  • Conduct periodic reviews of ongoing corporate governance and ESG programs and recommend changes in strategies where required; stay informed on events and other factors which could affect corporate governance and ESG programs; prepare reports and perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of investment practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of specific disciplines required for performance of duties (real estate, short term, etc.); considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to analyze and evaluate investment alternatives; considerable ability to prepare financial and analytical reports; considerable ability to plan and maintain appropriate controls and records of investment transactions; supervisory ability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong research and database skills; 
  • Working knowledge of ESG risk factors, capital markets and investment securities within a public pension plan or institutional fund;  
  • Ability to write high quality reports for public distribution, including analysis and evaluation of ESG considerations for investment opportunities;
  • Experience with a public pension plan or institutional investor. 

Preferred Educational Requirements:  Master of Business or other post-graduate degree.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.