Description
Reporting to the Director, Investments, the Senior Investment Analyst is responsible for conducting investment manager due diligence, performance and risk analytics, and other research in support of the investment activities of the Endowment and other university assets. The incumbent is a key member of the investment team and provides valuable input based on investment knowledge to support portfolio analysis and asset allocation. The Senior Investment Analyst also supports the day-to-day investment operations, particularly during periods when other team members are away.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conducts research / due diligence and performance analysis of external investment managers across public and private asset classes, prepares detailed reports, and participates in searches for new managers.
Develops and builds upon relationships with external investment managers, market dealers, custodians, investment consultants, and other providers of investment and administrative services.
Participates in developing and updating quarterly materials packages for the Investment Committee.
Conducts due diligence on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities of investment managers in compliance with the university’s Responsible Investing Policy.
Assists with Responsible Investing reporting activities.
Supports the Director, as required, for special projects and / or initiatives related to investment management.
Assists in the implementation and maintenance of quantitative portfolio construction, simulation (e.g. Monte Carlo), and attribution methodologies.
Attends quarterly meetings of the Investment Committee and occasionally delivers presentations.
Participates in the annual review of the distribution policy and the amounts to be withdrawn from the Pooled Endowment Fund for spending purposes.
Undertakes other duties as required in support of the department, including supporting the day-to-day investment operations, particularly when other team members are unavailable. This may include:
o Coordinating the redistribution of funds amongst investment managers in accordance with asset rebalancing policies.
o Participating in currency hedging activities.
Promotes a culture of inclusion and diversity and a sense of service in support of the university’s mission.
Continuously investigates investment management issues and trends to maintain a high level of expertise.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
Strong investment and financial modeling skills.
Ability to streamline, document and automate reporting and reconciliation processes while maintaining transparency and ensuring accuracy.
Exceptional attention to detail with superior organizational and planning skills to manage multiple priorities.
Makes decisions regarding competing and sensitive priorities in a confidential, fast-paced and demanding environment.
Advanced analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative), including the ability to think through problems, assess a variety of factors and recommend a solution.
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written, verbal, presentation) skills, combined with the ability to develop, build upon, and leverage relationships.
Strong relationship building and negotiation skills to foster positive, collaborative working relations and build professional credibility among stakeholders.
Results orientation combined with an ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
High level of technical literacy essential; demonstrated ability to adapt to changing technology. Ability to learn and apply new technology.
Strong client service orientation.
DECISION MAKING:
Assesses and occasionally recommends implementation options for new and existing asset classes and other investment strategies as appropriate for the various investment funds.
Recommends best alternatives within a range of solutions to a given problem, identifying the potential risks and benefits of each.
Exercises sound judgment and self-direction to determine when to refer issues to the Director and when to act independently.
Identifies opportunities and recommends technological enhancements to data and information processing systems. Assesses impacts of changes to develop optimal solutions to benefit the department or university.
Prioritizes own work in accordance with evolving and/or competing priorities.
Identifies issues / concerns and finds solution to unanticipated problems within guidelines. Decides when to involve others, ensuring appropriate background information is provided. Provides recommendations for solutions based on cost / benefit analysis to facilitate decision making.
Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Undergraduate degree in commerce, business, economics, or a related field combined with either (1) an MBA with a specialization in finance or (2) earned the designation of a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
A proven track record of 5 to 10 years of progressive work experience in investment management, including at least 3-5 years of analytical experience.
Previous experience in investment manager research / due diligence preferred.
Strong understanding of investment principles and portfolio management concepts for the investment of assets for an endowment fund.
Strong knowledge of investment concepts including, but not limited to, equities, fixed income, derivatives, private equity, hedge funds, commodities, infrastructure, real estate, foreign exchange, and money markets.
Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet, database, word processing and presentation software.
Familiarity with financial databases such as Bloomberg considered an asset.
Thorough knowledge of performance measurement analytics and calculations.
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.
Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
