Job Description and Duties This position is being re-advertised. Those who have previously applied are still being considered and do not need to reapply. The starting salary for this position will be set competitively and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This position is eligible for incentive compensation and has a maximum incentive opportunity of 50% of base salary. The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Associate Portfolio Manager on the Investement Operations, Operational Strategy Implementation team. Investment Operations is critical to the execution, oversight, and safeguarding of the total fund. The team supports the full investment lifecycle - from portfolio onboarding through trade execution, cash management, and reporting-while maintaining robust control frameworks. Through strong partnerships and a focus on scalable solutions, Investment Operations helps drive efficient execution, supports new and evolving strategies, and mitigates operational and custodial risk across a global portfolio. Under the general direction of the Head of Investment Operations, the incumbent provides independent analysis and consultation regarding the development and implementation of new investment strategies and project management to support the operational functions across all private and public asset classes, including developing internal controls, portfolio setup with the custodian and counterparties, integration into the portfolio management trading and risk system, and opening foreign markets. The incumbent will be responsible for providing project management and oversight for all new investment strategies, portfolio transitions, asset transfers, de-fundings and fundings.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
- Advanced investment operations knowledge.
- Understanding of post- trade lifecycle.
- Familiarity with trading, risk and portfolio management.
- Experience evaluating investment policies.
- Ability to solve problems, promote new ideas and develop new approaches to achieve established vision and strategies.
- Manage strategic relationship and partnerships to advance CalSTRS goals and initiatives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience speaking on external investor panels and regulatory forums.
- Ability to contribute to the design, development, and execution of formal policies, procedures, and guidelines for sustainable investment and stewardship strategies.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality service and providing options to leadership and team with diplomacy. An incumbent who possesses a professional certification in one of the following designations: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) may receive a 5% monthly base paydifferential. Only one 5% base pay differential is eligible regardless of the number of certifications. Relocation benefits may be available.
Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs. All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- ASSOCIATE PORTFOLIO MANAGER Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement Department Information CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. The Investments Branch manages a portfolio that is broadly diversified into seven asset categories with assets totaling approximately $389.5 billion as of November 30, 2025. In 2025, the CalSTRS Investments Branch was named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by the Pensions & Investments magazine for the eleventh time since 2013. CalSTRS is committed to setting best practice precedents, implementing innovative diversity and inclusion principles, motivating positive change, and advancing the worlds investment markets. We do this by establishing collaborative relationships across a vast network of investment managers, portfolio companies and industry associations in order to maximize returns and leverage opportunities for positive change. Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets. In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive. If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers. Special Requirements Exam This position requires a current Associate Portfolio Manager examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility. CalSTRS Personal Trading Program Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS. Background Investigation Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records. CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700). Incompatible Activities This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.
Benefits
CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:
- Alternative work schedules
- Flexible work hours
- Remote work options
- Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
- More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
- More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
- Health insurance in retirement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-350-4698-040, RPA: 1089, JC-529003
- If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
- Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
- Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
- Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification.