Investment Officer - Fixed Income

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $202.8 billion in assets under management. The WSIB's globally diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 17,500 holdings across 87 countries on 6 continents and in 49 currencies. The WSIB's central mandate is to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.

The WSIB manages investments for 18 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. 

To learn more about our organization and the work we do, please visit our website at sib.wa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn.

The WSIB operates in a hybrid work environment and this position requires 3 days a week in the office.

This recruitment will remain open until filled, and it is in the candidate's best interest to apply early.

The WSIB is seeking a qualified candidate to join our Fixed Income team as an Investment Officer. This is a full-time exempt position reporting to an Assistant Senior Investment Officer (ASIO). The primary objective of the IO will be to assist in the prudent management of the fixed income portfolios in a manner consistent with statutes, regulations, Board policies, and the highest standard of professional conduct, for the exclusive benefit of fund beneficiaries.

The ideal candidate is tech-forward in approach with experience working in fixed income products and markets. A successful candidate should have extensive experience in large data management/analysis with advanced knowledge of fixed income products or be a fixed income investment professional with extensive experience in research and quantitative analysis. The team is seeking an eager learner willing to benefit from the direction of more experienced Fixed Income staff.  Candidates must be willing to work collaboratively and in person with the Fixed Income team in the Olympia, Washington and work a minimum of 3 days a week in the office. 

Some of the duties in this role include:

• Assist in the management of the Fixed Income Unit's analytics and performance reporting primarily through the management of internal portfolio databases, portfolio analytic tools and team-wide technology innovation.

• Ensure analytics' database accurately models portfolio assets.

• Assist in the development of risk management tools and analysis.

• Spearhead technological advancement of portfolio analytical solutions.

• Maintain records of portfolio transactions, asset holdings and liquidity management.

• Oversee investment policy compliance.

• Maintain congruency between custodial databases, external consultant data, and internal portfolio analytics.

• Work cooperatively with numerous internal teams and the custodian's accounting staff to resolve issues.

• Prepare and analyze performance reporting from the custodian bank for accuracy.

• Provide performance attribution relevant to the portfolio manager decision-making.

• Prepare data for reports or presentations for the Board, staff, and the Department of Labor and Industries.

COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, finance, economics, accounting, business administration or related field.

• Four years of fixed income investment experience in any of the following categories: portfolio management, economic analysis, or related finance experience. Experience does not include managing your personal portfolio.  

• A relevant master's degree and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation may substitute for a maximum of two years of experience.

THE STRONGEST APPLICANT WILL HAVE:

• SQL coding ability; familiarity with MS SQL Server Management Studio.

• Proficiency in HTML, Python, and/or other programming languages.

• Experience with Bloomberg portfolio databases Bloomberg PORT and AIM.

• Working knowledge of security structures held across the sectors used in the fixed income portfolio management. This includes government, credit, mortgage, and structured product, such as asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.

• Chartered Financial Analyst designation or willingness to pursue.

• Knowledge of the common fixed income benchmark indices published and maintained by Bloomberg.

• Strong communication skills.  

• A working knowledge of fixed income products, markets, and portfolio management.

• Strong analytical and research skills.

• Self-starter, critical thinker, as well as possess the ability to work collaboratively.

• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Excel, Bloomberg, PowerPoint, and Word.

• If your experience or qualifications look different from what we have 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.

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.

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.