State of Washington

State Investment Board

invites applications for the position of:

Investment Officer - Innovation Portfolio

SALARY: $113,712.00 - $189,520.00 Annually

OPENING DATE:
11/17/21
 
CLOSING DATE:
Continuous
 
DESCRIPTION:

ABOUT THE WSIB: 

The Washington State
Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management
organization with over $181 billion in assets under management. The WSIB's globally
diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 14,000 holdings across 87 countries on 6
continents and in 45 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.
An overview of benefits of state employment and WSIB specifically can also be found on our
website.
 

This position is anticipated to perform work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, although
incumbent should be available for onsite work upon a phased reopening of the office, expected
in the Fall of 2021.

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is seeking a qualified candidate to join as an
Investment Officer (IO) on the Risk Management & Asset Allocation (RMAA) - Innovation
Portfolio team. This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognized investment
management organization.  

The Innovation Portfolio’s primary investment strategy is to provide the WSIB with an ability to
invest in investment ideas that fall outside of the traditional asset classes currently used by the
Board, with a secondary purpose of providing the Board with comfort and demonstrated
success before committing large dollar amounts to additional strategies.  As such, the
Innovation Portfolio seeks to make investments that don’t fit neatly into the existing five asset
classes of the WSIB (Public Equity, Fixed Income, Private Equity, Real Estate and Tangible
 Assets). The Innovation Portfolio team is part of the RMAA unit, with the objective of taking a
total portfolio approach to identify, evaluate, and make investments.  

As an IO,  you will have a pivotal role in the development and management of the Innovation
Portfolio as well as contributing to the broader mission of the RMAA unit. Primary
responsibilities include sourcing, evaluating, and investing in new investment ideas.  The IO will
also engage in monitoring and managing the existing investments in the Innovation Portfolio.
 As a RMAA team member, the IO will actively participate in market update meetings as well as
other projects related to risk management and asset allocation activities such as portfolio
analysis and modeling.  

As an IO, you will have a pivotal role in the development and management of the Innovation
Portfolio as well as contributing to the broader mission of the RMAA unit.

 
DUTIES:

If selected for this opportunity, you will actively engage in sourcing, evaluating, investing in, and
monitoring investments for the Innovation Portfolio.  In addition, actively participate in market
update meetings as well as other projects related to risk management and asset allocation
activities such as portfolio analysis and modeling.  Activities include the following:
Source, evaluate and recommend new investments and investment strategies for the
Innovation Portfolio.
Ongoing monitoring, management, and due diligence of existing relationships.   Including
strengthening relationships with investment partners and identifying and documenting
significant issues, risks, and concerns. Represent the WSIB at partnership and
investment manager meetings.
Recommend changes to and/or termination of investments.
Conduct portfolio analysis and modeling for the Innovation Portfolio, Commingled Trust
Fund (CTF) and other portfolios as needed.
Actively participate in market update meetings, which review economic and financial
market activities.
Work cooperatively across the investment division to evaluate investment opportunities in
conjunction with other investment staff.
Oversee work performed by consultants, legal advisors, and other third-party service
providers.
Work collaboratively with the RMAA team regarding risk, asset allocation, research
topics, and program discussions.
Design and refine methodology used to analyze investment issues and opportunities.
Participate in discussions on macro-issues that may cause the WSIB to revisit its
investment decisions (e.g., economic forces).
Contribute to the development of the WSIB research agenda, including participating in
investment research and other projects as appropriate.
Contributing as a member of a team committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our
work and workplace.
Prepare written materials for, and making oral presentations to, the Investment
Committee, WSIB Board, and WSIB Board Committees.
Support the RMAA SIOs on ad hoc projects.
Travel as needed.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

We are seeking an investment professional with the experience to effectively diligence,

underwrite, negotiate, and execute a wide range of investment opportunities (including private
partnerships), as well as support monitoring of the existing investments. Portfolio modeling skills
are also necessary.

We are looking for a strong, independent performer who can partner well within our cohesive
 team environment; a trustworthy professional who values diversity, equity, and inclusion; a
professional interested in exposure to various asset classes and the opportunity to become a
better investor. The successful candidate will be a well-organized, self-starting, critical-thinking
investor. They will benefit from a high-quality work/life balance while taking on the challenges
associated with working for one of the world’s leading asset allocators.

Competitive applicants will have: 

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of comparable experience in institutional investment
management.
Either of the following may substitute for up to one (1) year in total of the three years of
experience requirement:
1. Certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst
2. An advanced degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field

The strongest applicant will have: 

Chartered Financial Analyst and/or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
certifications.
Broad skill sets and capabilities to invest across a wide range of asset classes and
strategies. Experience investing in funds and other vehicles, including private
partnerships.
Strong portfolio modeling skills: the ability to utilize software to analyze investment
portfolio characteristics. 
Excellent analytical skills: the ability to process and evaluate large quantities of complex
information (e.g., financial, economic, statistical, legal, accounting, policy, and financial
market information) to systematically assess and document the merits and risks of the
related investment opportunity.  
Ability to research, analyze, synthesize, and apply information and results from financial
literature and other sources, including the ability to apply quantitative and empirical
research to real world issues in the financial management industry.
Working knowledge of capital markets and related activities, events, and trends;
comprehensive understanding of macroeconomic principles as they relate to market
expectations and forecasts, inflation, asset allocation, and the valuation of
portfolio/securities.
General knowledge of major asset classes and asset allocation, and ability to build
internal analytical skills by performing, potentially in conjunction with other professionals
in the organization, “deep dive” research into country, sector, and country/sector
relationship to determine risk and return tradeoffs.   
Clear communication, collaborative approach, and strong interpersonal skills; excellent
written communication skills with the ability to present concise explanations of complex
analyses.
Strong organizational skills are required, including the ability to manage multiple projects
simultaneously, establish time frames for projects, and proactively communicate progress
toward goals
Computer Skills–Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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.

 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to a complete NEOGov application, 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.
 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 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, racial and ethnic minorities, 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.
 
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.