Vice President, Investments & Funding

When you join the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF), you become a part of a high-performing and collaborative team that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of the hard-working teachers of Alberta and your work contributes to ensuring they receive a secure retirement income. ATRF has an exciting opportunity for an investment savvy professional to join our team as Vice President (VP), Investments & Funding.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this key executive position develops and recommends investment strategy and policy at the total fund level. This involves providing strategic support to the Board with setting the total portfolio strategic asset allocation and risk tolerances, articulated through a risk factor based, funding aware investment policy. The role oversees pension risk analysis and reporting, and also manages ATRF’s engagement with the external actuary. Additionally, the VP, Investments & Funding liaises with our external investment manager regarding investment product construction and risk, and monitors their implementation of our investment policy to ensure appropriate performance, alignment, and effectiveness. This role contributes materially to fulfilling ATRF’s mandate to deliver plan benefits at an appropriate level of cost and risk.

ATRF is looking for a passionate, high-achieving investment professional with significant experience in investment management and/or pension fund management. A strong knowledge of portfolio investment and risk management in an institutional investment context, pension asset and liability modelling and funding and forecasting methods will be beneficial to support success in the role. As a trusted member of the executive team, this role is responsible for contributing to the long-term vision and strategy for the organization that includes innovative approaches to support ATRF’s unique investment objectives, and developing strategic partnerships in the industry. Exceptional communication, both written and verbal, along with interpersonal aptitude are imperative in order to articulate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

A more detailed job description is available.

Qualifications, Experience, and Capabilities:

• Completion of a post-graduate degree (e.g., MBA or completion of a professional designation such as CFA equivalent to 5-6 years of university)
• Minimum of fifteen years’ related experience in institutional investment management and/or pension fund management with at least five years in a senior executive leadership capacity
• Five years of experience leading professional staff
• Proven ability to work effectively with key stakeholders at every level of the organization
• Previous experience working with, supporting, and presenting to a Board or equivalent, and/or the Investment Committee of a Board
• Knowledge of macroeconomics, global capital markets, and financial instruments
• Knowledge of quantitative investment risk analysis
• Understanding and working knowledge of ESG investment issues
• Understanding and working knowledge of pension finance
• Experience with defined benefit pension asset-liability modelling systems a definite asset
• Experience with and understanding of investment/pension risk systems such as Ortec, FactSet, BarraOne, or Aladdin a definite asset

At ATRF, diversity is one of our core strengths. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their uniqueness. We are an organization that takes pride in ensuring the people we hire and the culture we create reflects and celebrates diversity of thought, background, and experience. We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, flexible work program and an inclusive culture where you can be you!

Application Information:

Individuals interested in being considered for this role are required to submit a cover letter as well as a resume attention to resumes@atrf.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. ATRF is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application, recruitment, and selection process for all candidates. If you require accommodations at any point in the process, please let us know and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check including educational verification, criminal record and a credit check. This is a full-time continuing position and requires the incumbent to be located in Edmonton, AB.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.