Research Analyst – Generalist recruitment

United Church of Christ Exempt Position Description

Position:        Research Analyst - Generalist                                   Incumbent(s):  XXXXXX

Reports to:     Chief Investment Officer  
                                                
Department:       Investments

Position Purpose

To assist the CIO in various functions to support the investment programs ($3.2 billion assets) of the Pension Boards and the United Church Foundation. These functions include, but are not limited to, external manager due diligence, research on asset valuations and returns, performance analytics, alternative strategies research, interfacing with external consultant, analysis of community development investments and microfinance opportunities, performance monitoring and reporting, oral and written presentations to Trustees, Directors, members and participants of the Pension Boards and United Church Funds.

 Key Accountabilities

• On-site visits and analyses for current and prospective managers for both The Pension Boards and United Church Funds for traditional and alternatives assets. Will assist in the exploration of the feasibility of community development programs and microfinance opportunities.

• Market research to track valuations for various market sectors; research investment ideas to enhance asset allocation shifts and performance.

• Assist with performance analytics and operational issues (reports to members, assist with investment advisory contracts and vendor services, transition management procedures, budget, and accuracy checks on material prepared by others).

• Assist with financial writing and presentations including News Views (employee and annuitant versions), UC Focus, quarterly communications, annual reports for both The Pension Boards and the Foundation, economic and financial market analyses, ad hoc presentations, website articles and updates.

Key Challenges

• Managing large amounts of information while maintaining focus on a variety of disparate tasks.

• Analyzing new financial products and concepts and making and presenting recommendations to appropriate constituents.

• Maintaining a general knowledge of economic, financial and market related developments.

 Background/Experience Required

• 3-5 years of relevant investment experience

• Proven analytical skills

• CFA/MBA/CAIA preferred

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Good interpersonal skills

• Displays a collegial and cooperative attitude

 Decision Making Authority

• Incumbent will be back-up to CIO and will participate in decisions on asset reallocation, rebalancing and new asset classes and investment vehicles, will make recommendations on current and prospective managers as well as assessing the appropriateness of investment products for both The Pension Boards and UCF investment programs.

Key Relationships

Internal:           Accounting staff of Pension Boards and Foundation, member services staff, 
                        corporate social responsibility staff.

External:           Investment consultants, current and prospective investment managers, bank
                         personnel, financial industry specialists, external service providers.