Description
ABOUT MAINEPERS
MainePERS (Maine Public Employees Retirement System) administers the defined benefit plan for Maine teachers, state employees, and other public employees. The Portland-based Investment Team currently consists of nine professionals and oversees investments of the $21B pension fund and is primarily focused on the sourcing, evaluation, and monitoring of external investment firms across a globally diversified portfolio. The Team’s efforts emphasize active managers within alternative asset classes (e.g., Private Equity, Risk Diversifiers, and Real Assets).
POSITION DESCRIPTION
MainePERS is seeking a motivated and analytical professional to join our Investment Team as an Analyst or Senior Analyst, depending on skills and experience. The analyst will support the investment program under the direction of the Deputy Chief Investment Officer (DCIO). The role involves conducting analysis across all aspects of the investment program. The position will collaborate closely with the Investment Team on portfolio monitoring, manager selection and evaluation, and co-investment opportunities. Approximately 60% of the work week is spent on-site in the Portland office. Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (both levels)
Sourcing & Evaluating Investment Managers
- Work in conjunction with Investment Team members and external consultants to identify potential investments.
- Assess both the qualitative and quantitative attributes of investment managers.
- Conduct due diligence of investment opportunities, including on-site visits.
- Evaluate and make recommendations in the context of the MainePERS objectives and market environment.
- Create written briefings and recommendations for the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) and Trustees for selected investments.
Monitoring Existing Investments
- Monitor team developments, performance of existing investments, and capital flows.
- Promote a cross-asset class perspective that weighs the relative value of a manager and its impact on the overall portfolio.
- Correspond with leading investment experts and formulate market views regarding investment opportunities.
Other Duties
- Assist with the preparation of monthly Trustees reports.
- Develop a pipeline of managers across asset classes.
- Contribute to other projects and team initiatives on an ad hoc basis.
ADDTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (for senior-level candidates)
- Lead development and strategic oversight of a specific group of managers that will be employed to achieve investment objectives.
- Stay current on market conditions, industry best practices, regulatory developments, and emerging investment trends to identify and recommend appropriate investment actions as necessary.
- Present analyses and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders on areas of responsibility and strategic topics.
- Develop a proprietary pipeline of managers across asset classes.
- Support CIO and DCIO in development and implementation in key initiatives impacting portfolio and organization.
- Act as a key resource the Investment Team members rely on for depth and breadth of expertise regarding a specific area of market coverage.
- Guide, coach, and develop junior colleagues to strengthen team capabilities.
For more information, visit MainePERS at https://www.mainepers.org/about/careers/
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications (both levels)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint at the Advanced level.
- Experience preparing and delivering a variety of oral presentations and written reports with attention to detail and quality.
- Experience using investment-related mathematical concepts including correlations, statistics, performance attribution, and factor analysis.
- Willingness to participate, or progress towards, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), or other related designations.
- Ability to travel domestically; valid driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record.
- Ability to travel internationally.
Additional Minimum Qualifications (Analyst)
- A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one (1) year of directly related professional experience in finance, economics, accounting, business, or related areas; OR an equivalent combination of education, research experience, and demonstrated interest in related industries may be considered.
Additional Minimum Qualifications (Senior Analyst)
- Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of analyst level work experience with a complex institutional or governmental investment program; OR an equivalent combination of education, research experience, and demonstrated interest in related industries may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications (Analyst)
- Experience in an institutional investment setting (pension, endowment, foundation, asset management company, insurance company, family office, etc.) with a focus on due diligence.
- CFA or CAIA Charterholder.
Preferred Qualifications (Senior Analyst)
- Two or more years of professional experience in an institutional investment setting (pension, endowment, foundation, asset management company, insurance company, family office, etc.) with a focus on due diligence.
- CFA or CAIA Charterholder.
- MBA or similar graduate degree.
