Sr. Governance Manager

The Maryland State Retirement Agency (the “Agency”) is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (the “System”).  The System is a multi-employer, public employees’ benefit retirement system composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components, covering approximately 245,000 active members and more than 160,000 retires and beneficiaries.

The Agency is seeking a committed professional to serve as Senior Governance Manager within the Investment Division (the “Division”). The Senior Governance Manger will lead the Division’s Governance program, which includes but is not limited to, Environmental, Social and Governance (the “ESG”) analysis, creating an inclusive environment through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) efforts, divestment, proxy voting and related processes, and engagement initiatives with corporate issuers, lawmakers, and governance organizations. The Senior Governance Manager will report to the Deputy Chief Investment Officer and will be an active member of the Division. This individual will work collaboratively with the Chief Investment Officer, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Managing Directors, Risk Manager, staff of the different asset classes, the internal ESG Committee and DEI Committee, to support the overall investment program. The position will staff the Board’s Corporate Governance and Securities Litigation Committee. This position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to build a full governance program within the division focused on integrating the investment process with responsible ownership.

The Agency’s investment team drives results through creative problem solving, working together to manage a global multi-asset portfolio, and to provide a secure base of assets to pay the current and future benefits for the underlying retirees and beneficiaries.  The Investment Division is committed to providing a work environment that provides the investment team members a complete understanding of the institutional investment process, rewarding career paths, and a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces both analytical and creative thinkers.

This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

MSRP 0008

Maryland State Retirement Agency

The Senior Governance Manager is responsible for all aspects of the governance program for the Investment Division including developing appropriate standards, policies, and processes for the implementation and management of the program; and providing guidance and advice to the Chief Investment Officer, Senior Investment Division staff, management at the Agency, and the Board of Trustees. The governance program includes, but it’s not necessarily limited to, the areas of ESG, DEI, climate, divestment, proxy voting and related processes, and the engagement initiatives with corporate issuers, policy makers and governance organizations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develops, recommends and implements standards, policies and procedures for the governance program

• Maintains appropriate and effective management of the governance program which includes meeting goals and objectives of the program

• Monitors, evaluates and quantifies the risks and effects of ESG factors on the investments of the System

• Works across asset classes to integrate ESG and DEI factors into investment due diligence and recommendations

• Performs ESG research and analysis, including DEI, on potential and existing investments and provides recommendations and opportunities to the Chief Investment Officer

• Conducts training to the Board and the Agency staff on ESG and governance related topics, as needed

• Oversight and development of any ESG or governance related reports required by the Legislature or as necessary for the Investment Division

• Manages and tracks ESG efforts by external and internal managers and provides any necessary recommendations

• Chairs the internal DEI and ESG Committees

• Manages the Investment Division’s diversity initiatives

• Evaluate internal and external managers to determine if they represent a diverse set of backgrounds

• Works with external data providers, including managers and consultants to analyze, define and prioritize DEI metrics to align with an inclusive environment

• Support the Board of Trustees with the implementation of the Maryland’s minority business policies

• Advises the Board’s Corporate Governance and Securities Litigation Committee, the Board of Trustees and Agency management on governance topics including, ESG, DEI, divestment, proxy, or other related topics or issues

• Manages the proxy voting process and ensures proxies are voted in accordance with the Board’s custom proxy guidelines

• Maintains knowledge of best practices and current trends in proxy voting and corporate governance topics

• Initiates, carries out and manages any engagement activities related to corporate governance topics

• Manages the meetings, agenda items, information and needs of the Board’s Corporate Governance and Securities Litigation Committee

• Oversight and management of any investment divestment programs or proposed divestment initiatives

Education: 

Graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: 

Relevant experience in investments, corporate governance, ESG, DEI or finance

A productive and successful candidate will have some of the listed below experiences to achieve success with the position’s responsibilities: 

·   Experience at a pension, endowment, foundation, or other institutional investment organization

·   Experience in the investment decision making process for public or private assets

·   Experience in developing and implementing governance programs

·   Experience managing an engagement program on corporate governance matters

·   Experience creating policies and procedures and maintaining a governance program

·   Experience in managing DEI initiatives

·   Experience with ESG integration

·   Knowledge of key ESG issues, regulatory and standards setting organizations, measurement tools, ESG data applications and rating systems

·   Knowledge of the proxy voting process

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. 

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.