Senior Investment Stewardship Analyst

Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Sr. Investment Stewardship Analyst upholds PERA's fiduciary duty and approach to long-term financial sustainability through the development and implementation of stewardship initiatives and communications. This position is responsible for managing PERA's proxy voting activities, providing research and analysis on material stewardship topics across asset classes, and evaluating potential impacts of stewardship-related developments on PERA's portfolio. The Analyst serves as a thought leader in corporate governance matters, and makes recommendations for policy and process enhancements that contribute to organizational, departmental, and divisional objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Contributes to the development and implementation of PERA's investment stewardship initiatives and communications as the corporate governance and proxy voting expert

• Manages PERA's proxy voting program, applying expertise and applicable analysis to complex voting decisions and execution in alignment with PERA's Proxy Voting Policy

• Monitors ballots and vote instructions daily, escalating issues appropriately to prevent and resolve problems in a timely manner

• Produces reports, analysis, and summaries of voting activity, stewardship outcomes, and governance trends

• Develops and maintains policy and process documents, and recommends efficient procedural and technology enhancements based on market developments, regulatory changes, industry best practices, and PERA's investment stewardship philosophy

• Maintains accurate and thorough records of proposals, votes, research, policy updates, advocacy, and engagement activities

• Evaluates performance of stewardship vendors and licensed platforms, making recommendations as needed to enhance cost-effective processes

• Provides direction and training to other staff as applicable; provides coaching and feedback as necessary

• Contributes to internal research across asset classes by providing requested resources, analysis, and commentary on proxy matters and other applicable material considerations

• Assists in engagements with portfolio companies and investment management partners, as appropriate

• Conducts stewardship research independently and provides analysis and commentary on legislative, regulatory, and investor-led developments in global markets, interpreting potential impacts to PERA

• Advocates for PERA's position on relevant matters through compelling written and oral communications with legislative and regulatory bodies, oversight boards, and organizational alliances

• Builds and maintains constructive internal and external stakeholder relationships

• Prepares and presents reporting and educational materials for stakeholders, including the PERA Board of Trustees

• Participates in conferences and industry discussions representing PERA's investment stewardship, as appropriate

• Provides additional stewardship support to PERA's senior leadership through the contribution of subject matter and industry network expertise, as needed

• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace

• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field; five years of investment stewardship experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Proven track record of successfully implementing custom proxy voting policies, reporting on outcomes, and making appropriate recommendations for enhancements

• Broad knowledge of investment instruments, processes, data, and experience collaborating cross-functionally

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, commitments, and multiple priorities in a complex and fast-paced environment

• Customer service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, presentation software, proxy voting and ESG data platforms

• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and efficiency, proactively identifying opportunities to apply emerging technologies that improve workflows and outcomes

• Strong sense of accountability and ownership with the ability to apply discretionary judgement to meet objectives with minimal supervision

• Strong analytic aptitude in both qualitative reasoning and mathematical capacities, with exceptional attention to detail

• Outstanding interpersonal characteristics, reputation, and team orientation

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.

• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds

• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to operate standard PC equipment

• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules

• Infrequent travel, as assigned

Hybrid Work Option

• Opportunity to work from home up to three days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.