Western & Southern Financial Group

Director, Alternative Credit

Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
  • 4-6 years of investment or financial analysis experience
  • Strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
  • Experience in coordinating multiple projects effectively
  • Demonstrated team orientation and collaborative experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Superb presentation ability and strong listening skills
  • Strong analytical skills for data interpretation
  • Proficiency in financial documents and modeling
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) preferred

Responsibilities

  • Manage a diverse array of investment portfolios including direct lending and asset-backed finance
  • Develop insights into alternative credit markets to assess investment risks
  • Lead strategic initiatives to enhance the firm's investment strategy
  • Implement portfolio strategies, including risk allocation and sector weights
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to review and report on portfolio risks
  • Execute investment strategies to improve company performance
  • Prepare and deliver impactful presentations to senior leaders and boards
  • Source and recommend investment opportunities for senior management

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape investment strategies and enterprise direction
  • Engagement with senior leadership and board-level discussions
  • Diverse investment portfolio management
  • Opportunity for continuous professional learning and development
  • Dynamic work environment with no travel requirements
Full Job Description
Overview

The Director, Alternative Credit is responsible for building, implementing, and managing alternative credit investments as a member of Fort Washington Investment Advisors to support Western & Southern profitability and product competitiveness in a risk efficient manner. Primary responsibilities include developing the investment pipeline, underwriting and recommending new investments, managing the existing portfolio, fulfilling reporting needs, and performing special projects to evolve Western & Southern's capabilities in this area.

Responsibilities

What you will do:
  • Manage a diversified suite of investment portfolios including middle market direct lending, infrastructure lending, private asset backed finance, and other allocations outside of the syndicated credit markets.
  • Develop an understanding of various alternative credit markets and broader capital markets in order to assess risk adjusted returns and relative value across competing investment opportunities.
  • Shape enterprise investment strategy by leading cross-functional strategic initiatives that expand the firm's investment toolkit, driving research, due diligence, and recommendations that inform CIO, CEO, and board-level decision-making.
  • Determines and implements overall portfolio strategy for assigned portfolios, including top down positioning (risk allocation, sector/country weights), sector allocation, security selection, and performance relative to benchmarks.
  • Works closely with co-CIO, Sr. PM, and analyst team to review and report on overall portfolio risk levels, sector/country exposures, and issuer-level exposures.
  • Deliver measurable enterprise impact by executing investment strategies that materially improve liability crediting rates and strengthen the company's long-term competitive positioning.
  • Influence enterprise direction by preparing and presenting high-impact materials to senior leadership and board-level committees, shaping strategic conversations on pricing, profitability, and capital allocation.
  • Generate specific recommendations across managed vehicles of various types (funds, SMAs, JVs) as well as co-investments, direct investments, and strategic partnership opportunities.
  • Source, underwrite, and present investments to senior management in Private Investments Committee and Finance Committee.
  • Generate returns that exceed stated portfolio goals and objectives.
  • Stays current on trends in the insurance industry to maintain awareness of competitors, expansion opportunities, customers, markets, and new industry developments and standards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree - Required
  • Master's Degree - Preferred
  • 4 - 6 years investment related and/or financial analysis experience with significant investment acumen. - Required
  • Proven experience with innovative and strategic problem identification and resolution. - Required
  • Proven experience coordinating multiple projects/assignments simultaneously and completing assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis. - Required
  • Demonstrated strong team orientation and experience working effectively within a team. - Required
  • Proven strong proclivity for continuous learning and desire to increase breadth and depth of experience. - Required
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner. - Required
  • Proven superb presentation skills with experience conveying information in a clear, focused and concise manner. Proven ability to answer questions and garner credibility. Demonstrated use of strong listening and communication techniques and presentation software. - Required
  • Demonstrated superior selling skills with proven experience effectively influencing individuals and group to a recommended course of action. - Required
  • Proven strong analytical skills and comfort with complex data, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions. - Required
  • Ability to understand financial statements, loan agreements and other investment related documentation. Basic knowledge of financial markets; previous leveraged finance experience is a plus. Ability to make judgments based on market knowledge. Experience with financial modeling and analysis. - Required
  • Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet applications. - Required
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Upon Hire - Preferred

Work Setting/Position Demands:
  • Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
  • Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
  • Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
  • Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
  • Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
  • Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:
  • Estimated amount 10%.

About Western & Southern Financial Group

Western & Southern Financial Group provides financial translators, helping to turn the complex into simple, practical financial solutions. work face-to-face with middle-market clients to help understand their needs and provide financial solutions designed to meet their goals.

Western & Southern Financial Group Careers

Join the vibrant team at Western & Southern Financial Group, a leader in the financial services industry known for its strong commitment to fostering professional growth and innovation. As part of our team, you will engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to our reputation as one of the most respected names in financial solutions.

Work You’ll Do

At Western & Southern Financial Group, you will find job opportunities that challenge and motivate you to leverage your skills and potential. Whether you are looking for a position in financial advising, customer service, or IT, our company offers a dynamic environment where career growth is supported and encouraged.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the chance to work on projects that redefine industry standards while collaborating with a team of over 10,000 dedicated professionals. Our leadership is committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and diversity, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to excel.

Professional Development

Western & Southern Financial Group is not just a company; it's a place where careers are built. Our employees enjoy access to comprehensive benefits and diversity training programs that promote professional development and personal well-being. From leadership workshops to networking events, we provide the tools necessary for you to advance your career.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Western & Southern’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and understand the financial sector from the inside out. Interns work closely with experienced professionals, gaining insights that are crucial for future employment.

Join Our Team

Explore the array of job opportunities at Western & Southern Financial Group. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, innovation, and a strong work ethic to our team. With a focus on leadership development and employee satisfaction, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.

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Apply Now

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SEARCH WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP JOBS

At Western & Southern Financial Group, we believe in empowering our employees to grow, innovate, and lead in every aspect of their career. Join us and be part of a team that values diversity, leadership, and the professional growth of its members. Discover the impact you can make in the financial services industry with Western & Southern.
Learn more about Western & Southern Financial Group
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4,700 employees
Industry

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