Investment Analyst II

Job Summary

This role reports to the Senior Investment Strategists and is chiefly responsible for assisting in the development and refinement of our asset allocation models and long-term capital market assumptions (CMAs) that are used by Financial Advisors and their clients. The Investment Analyst will conduct in-depth macroeconomic and market research that are essential to guiding our long-term investment forecasts and views across all asset classes. The incumbent will collaborate with the CIO, economists, and investment strategists to develop and message our multi-asset class views, strategic and tactical positioning, and will be responsible for communicating key investment insights and allocation decisions to internal and external stakeholders. The Investment Analyst will also generate thought leadership on market dynamics, asset allocation and will be expected to participate in presentations, conferences, and other client-related events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the design and refinement of strategic and tactical asset allocation models across multiple asset classes

Lead the development, refinement, and regular update of capital market assumptions

Translate insights from CMAs and macroeconomic / market research into actionable tactical investment views

Develop commentary for advisor and client consumption that outlines our strategic and tactical views

Prepare and deliver both oral and written strategic and tactical views to key internal and external stakeholders

Develop, maintain, and enhance proprietary models for the economy (e.g., recessionary models), equities (valuation models) and fixed income (levels and spreads)

Contributes regularly to the CIO Suite of publications

Serve as back-up to CIO / Investment Strategists in responding to CA / FA inquiries

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

Extensive knowledge of a wide range of asset classes that include equities (U.S., sectors, international, developed, and emerging markets), fixed income (sectors), commodities and alternatives.

A deep understanding of global capital markets, their dynamics, and the interplay between different asset classes

A foundational understanding of portfolio construction theory

Research tools such as FactSet and Bloomberg

On-line research data providers (Fed, BLS, BEA)

Company's working structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.

Economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and analysis and reporting of financial data

Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Skill in

The ability to analyze macroeconomic factors and their impact on investments and asset allocation strategy

Strong quantitative analysis and financial modeling skills

Strong work ethic, commitment to deadlines and strong attention to details

Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to produce correspondence, reports, electronic communication, spreadsheets, and databases

Strong communication skill set, particularly writing

Preparing and delivering clear, effective, and professional presentations

Identify the needs of customers through effective questioning and listening techniques

Ability to

Build databases, analyze data (including regression analysis), and communicate findings

Monitor the drivers of performance for each asset class ranging from equities to bonds to alternatives

Be self-motivated and successful in creating individualistic research

Organize, manage, and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

Articulate reasons behind decisions

Keep all appropriate parties up to date on decisions, changes, and other relevant information

Identify problems, gather facts, and develop solutions

Educational / Previous Experience Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Finance or Economics; CFA or MBA candidates a plus with 6-8 years of financial industry experience

An equivalent combination of experience, education, and / or training as approved by Human Resources

Licenses / Certifications

SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied

Series 7 required