Investment Officer – Tangible Assets

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.

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $181.7 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 by earning the lion’s share of money needed to cover state pension benefits. To learn more about the WSIB, please visit our website at sib.wa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
The WSIB is seeking a qualified candidate to join our Tangible Assets team as an Investment Officer (IO). This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognized investment management organization. The primary objective of the IO – Tangible Assets is ongoing selection, due diligence, and monitoring of individual tangible asset investments. These duties are executed with the highest standard of professional and ethical conduct, for the exclusive benefit of WSIB beneficiaries, while maintaining compliance with the State of Washington’s statutes, regulations, and Board policies.

The position supports the Senior Investment Officer (SIO) – Tangible Assets in prudently deploying the allocation the Board has established for Tangible Assets and implementing the annual plans and objectives for the unit with the intent to create a well-diversified and well-performing risk adjusted portfolio.

We are looking for a skilled investment professional with experience in real assets including infrastructure, energy, and/or natural resources. This role calls for a self-starting, critical-thinking team player who is eager to engage in the opportunities associated with working for one of the world’s leading asset allocators. If you are a strong, independent performer who excels at negotiation, building relationships, and is a trustworthy professional who values diversity, equity, and inclusion and work/life balance, this could be the role for you.

• Assisting the SIO in the creation of innovative investment programs in areas often overlooked by traditional capital providers.
• Performing critical economic, industry, and sector research and due diligence necessary to educate staff and the Board relative to non-traditional tangible assets investments.
• Monitoring current investments, reviewing partners’ financial statements, and analyzing the results for acceptability, as well as identifying and reporting any potential problems or opportunities.
• Implementing approved investments, including legal negotiations, and liaising with the back office.
• Reviewing potential investments for possible inclusion in the Tangible Assets portfolio; conducting robust due diligence efforts which includes general investment overview, document review, financial structure analysis, meetings with management, and the preparation and presentation of findings and conclusions to the appropriate investment committee following approval by the SIO.
• Developing and implementing individual manager monitoring guidelines to ensure compliance with WSIB policy, as well as for suitability of the investment strategies, portfolio structure, and positioning.

COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:
A bachelor’s degree coupled with 3 years’ experience in tangible assets or private partnerships, preferably in an institutional investment setting. A relevant master’s degree or CFA/CAIA certification may substitute for a maximum of one years’ experience.

THE STRONGEST APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

• Management Skills: The ability to participate in key relationships on behalf of the WSIB with partners, consultants, and attorneys. Planning, organizing, leadership, negotiation, time management, communication, mentoring, and problem solving are vital.
• Understanding of Portfolio Management: The ability to understand and recommend changes and enhancements to a diversified tangible assets portfolio. The ability to compare firms and investment opportunities based on investment, business, and operational risk assessments, and to evaluate teams and opportunities to meet risk and return objectives for the WSIB.
• Knowledge of Investment Vehicles: A working knowledge of, and experience with, the variety of ownership structures related to the private and public tangible investments and their associated legal documentation. This would include but not be limited to partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, operating companies, and master limited partnerships.
• Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze financial, economic, statistical, legal, accounting, market, and other matters quickly, efficiently, and accurately and to summarize those results.
• Financial Modeling Skills: The ability to objectively combine accounting, financing, and other business, and economic metrics to create an abstract representation of a company’s and/or assets’ future financial and liquidity position.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to foster an environment where team members feel included, which is critical to the success of the Tangible Assets unit. In addition, the IO will coordinate and facilitate workflow with a diverse group of external parties, including consultants, attorneys, managers, and general partners.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, often complicated by tight time frames and travel demands.
• CFA and/or CAIA certification.

If your experience or qualifications look a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can be successful in this position, please address this in your cover letter.

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.

The WSIB operates in a hybrid work environment and this position should anticipate 60% of their time in the office.

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.