State of California

Senior Head of Investment Strategic Governance

State of California$280K — $340K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in investment compliance and governance roles
  • Strong understanding of investment policies and regulatory requirements
  • Proven ability to lead cross-division compliance initiatives
  • Experience in risk management and developing governance operating models
  • Skilled in team leadership and performance management
  • Adept at developing clear compliance documentation and controls
  • Certification in CFA, CCIM, FRM, CIMA, or CAIA is preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of investment compliance frameworks
  • Ensure adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance across divisions
  • Guide teams in risk assessments and enhancing risk controls
  • Mentor and build high-performing compliance teams
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on investment strategy alignment
  • Draft and implement governance documents that streamline processes
  • Identify and resolve conflicts of interest while enforcing compliance

Benefits

  • Flexible work hours and alternative work schedules
  • Remote work options available
  • Comprehensive medical benefits including dental and vision
  • Defined benefit retirement program
  • Generous vacation and sick leave policies
  • Employee Assistance Program for mental health support
  • Loan forgiveness opportunities under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Full Job Description
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 150% of base salary.

The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Investment Services team.

Investment Services is comprised of the following divisions within the Investment Branch: Operations, Performance and Analytics, Strategic Governance & Compliance, Data Solutions, and Business Services. The division provides essential first-level oversight functions across all investment strategies, supporting the entire investment lifecycle through trade and cash management, portfolio reconciliation, and performance analytics. Investment Services safeguards assets through strong controls, while enabling data-driven investment decisions and ensuring alignment with strategic goals and investment policies.

Under the direction of the Senior Investment Director (SID) of Strategic Management and Operations, the Senior Portfolio Manager (SPM) of Investment Strategic Governance is responsible for leading the development, integration and oversight of investment compliance and governance teams and frameworks that support investment strategy and decision-making across the total fund. The SPM provides guidance across investment divisions, ensuring compliance, governance, ethical standards, and controls are embedded into the investment decisionmaking processes. The SPM provides governance of laws, policies, conflicts of interests and various risks that enable transparent, compliant, and highquality investment execution.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
  • Strong understanding of investment policies, ethics programs, personal trading/MNPI oversight, regulatory requirements, and the ability to lead compliance-driven initiatives
  • Ability to collaboratively research, develop, and implement new investment strategies, global initiatives, private-market structures, and cross-asset class improvements
  • Experience developing governance-aligned operating models, supporting risk system modernization, and partnering with senior staff to optimize investment operations
  • Strong capability to assess and strengthen risk controls across operational, liquidity, counterparty, custodial, leverage, business continuity, and MNPI-related risks, while leading risk assessments and audit follow up
  • Skilled at building, mentoring, and managing high performing teams; leading recruitment, development plans, performance management processes; and developing resourcing frameworks that blend internal development with external consultants
  • Ability to coordinate across divisions, senior leadership, internal committees, and enterprise partners to ensure alignment and cohesive portfolio management
  • Experience developing charters, guidelines, policies, controls, and procedural documentation that provide clarity, efficiency, and robust governance across new and existing investment programs
  • Adept at identifying, resolving, and preventing conflicts of interest; enforcing compliance programs; and navigating sensitive issues in partnership with counsel, ethics leadership, and senior investment directors.

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.
  • SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527729

Position #(s):
815-310-4663-013

Working Title:
Senior Head of Investment Strategic Governance

Classification:
SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER $18,334.00 - $28,334.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Yolo County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Special Requirements Exam

This position requires a current Senior 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.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/16/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 15275, MS 31

Sacramento , CA 95851-0275

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
CalSTRS, Attn: Recruitment
100 Waterfront Place

West Sacramento , CA 95605

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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 .

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Executive and Investment Talent Management
(916) 414-4990
[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 414-4933
[email protected]
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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 f

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
Size
150 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

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