Assistant Investment Officer OR Investment Officer, Public Equity (Hybrid)

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $211.5 billion in assets under management (as of December 2024). The WSIB’s globally diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 18,500 holdings across 93 countries on 6 continents and in 50 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 including 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 reducing the amount of state contributions needed to cover state pension and other programs’ benefits.

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 should anticipate 60% of their time in the office. Initially, this position will be based in the Olympia office and will require some travel. Over the longer term, there may be an option to work from the Seattle office of the WSIB.

The WSIB is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as an Assistant Investment Officer (AIO) or an Investment Officer (IO) on the Public Equity Team. This is an opportunity to join a globally recognized investment management organization. The primary objective of the AIO or IO – Public Equity is to provide technical and analytical support to the unit while participating in the ongoing selection, due diligence, and monitoring of public equity investments, all while ensuring consistency with the State of Washington’s statutes and regulations, and the WSIB’s policies.

The WSIB’s public equity unit manages the investment of the public equity allocation of all programs including the defined benefit assets and the investment options for the defined contribution plans. Public equity is further utilized in the Labor and Industries’ funds, the Guaranteed Education Tuition program, the Developmental Disability Endowment Fund, the Permanent Funds, and other programs as needed. At the current time, all of the WSIB’s public equity allocations are managed through external investment managers.

The AIO or IO must work with the highest standard of professional and ethical conduct, and for the exclusive benefit of WSIB beneficiaries. The position will support and participate in all aspects of public equity investment management including rebalancing, searches, monitoring, research, analysis, development of recommendations, and risk management, with the goal of contributing to the public equity unit meeting or exceeding its investment return objectives.

Be an agile and motivated individual with basic investment knowledge, unwavering integrity and a strong desire to learn and grow in a culture that values excellence and respect. We expect a blend of enthusiasm and humility. We are looking for someone who is adaptable and trustworthy; values teamwork and relationships with others; and values differences of opinions and backgrounds. We’re looking for someone with intellectual curiosity, a proven commitment to continuous learning, and someone who is perceptive and insightful. This position requires a self-starting, critical-thinking individual who embraces the opportunities and challenges associated with working for one of the world’s leading asset allocators.

If selected for this opportunity you will actively support and participate in the development, recommendation, implementation, and monitoring of investments in the Public Equity portfolio. Some of these duties include:

• Execute trading or rebalancing activities as required.
• Become an integral part of the unit’s data maintenance, analyses, and risk reporting efforts.
• Contribute to manager monitoring on relationships assigned by the Senior Investment Officer (SIO) and/or their supervisor.
• Assist with research on a variety of topics relating to public equity markets, and public equity investments, allocations, and structures.
• Travel for varying events which include manager monitoring.

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in business, mathematics, economics, finance, statistics, or closely related field.)
  • Undergrads who will complete their Bachelor’s degree prior to starting (Spring 2025), are encouraged to apply
• Knowledge of capital markets and macroeconomics.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Analytical, critical, original, and creative thought.
• Integrity, honesty, and sound ethical judgment.

THE STRONGEST APPLICANT WILL HAVE:

• A commitment to completing the CFA designation.
• Demonstrated interest in investments.
• Knowledge of investment concepts and principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to process and integrate large quantities of complex information.
• Collaborative mindset and working methods.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete multiple projects in a timely manner.
• Strong computer skills including use of Microsoft Office, manager databases, risk systems.
• Willing and able to travel.

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.

• A cover letter specifying why the WSIB and this position is of interest to you, an example from your life or work that demonstrates your ability to learn, and how you meet the qualifications listed above. This letter should be no more than two pages.
• A current chronological resume.

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 work with 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. While all candidates must have the ability to currently work in the U.S., 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; andSmartHealth.

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.