Impact Investing Manager - Research and Portfolio Mgmt
Job Description
Walton Enterprises is seeking a qualified investment professional to join the Walton Investment Team, with a split responsibility of manager research in impact investing and portfolio management. This person must be able to source, analyze and execute debt and equity public markets investments, which meet high standards for ESG and financial performance. This complements the work of existing team members focused on private ESG-focused investments. Portfolio management responsibilities will be limited initially, growing over time as demand grows. The position title is Investment Director, with compensation reflecting the experience level of the candidate.
About the Team
Walton Investment Team is a dynamic and growing team that specializes in managing family investments and foundations. Our talented team is based in Washington, DC and collaborates with colleagues in offices around the country. We work cohesively as a team to develop and implement scalable investment strategies for our clients. We are seeking to expand and grow our team with skillful and qualified talent.
What you will do
• Help to lead the research and decision-making process behind investments, asset allocation and overall portfolio structure
• Help to lead the development and presentation of scalable, multi-asset class investment strategies in ESG and sustainability, to include public companies considered best-in-class on ESG, and those committed to improvement on material ESG issues (i.e. decarbonization)
• Identify high-quality, proprietary investment prospects aligned with the family’s investment priorities and strategies
• Implement and oversee the quantitative and qualitative analysis of investment opportunities, company and funds analysis, market and competitive analysis, analysis of investment merits and concerns, management benchmarking, evaluation of company and investment structure, and returns analysis
• Produce written and presentation materials to communicate the above investment analysis
• Obtain third party analysis, including external consultants, tax and legal
• Implement and oversee ongoing monitoring and oversight of existing investments, including analyzing financial information received and responding to any corporate actions as necessary
• Review financial and ESG performance of existing public fund managers, and evaluate new managers
• Lead the development of new, innovative ESG products and offerings, in conjunction with fund managers and other sector-leading intermediaries
• Become increasingly involved in the broad investment management of impact-focused portfolios.
Who we are looking for
You possess superior strategic, communications, and analytical skills and a proven ability to be an effective team leader. You will need self-direction and decisiveness combined with flexibility and a capacity to give and receive feedback graciously. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to assume a leadership role in a high growth operation with commitment to ESG and impact investing.
Qualifications required for your success
• This is a dual role on a large and growing investment team. While a background in both manager research and portfolio management is preferred, we will consider candidates with strong manager due diligence skills with the capability and interest to “grow into” the portfolio management role under the guidance of colleagues.
• Eight or more years of relevant manager research experience, preferably at a family office, investment fund or investment bank, ideally including several years of leading investments, due diligence processes and supervising junior analysts.
• Strong knowledge of the ESG equity and bond manager landscape
• Comfortable negotiating investment management agreements with managers
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Experience with analytics software such as FactSet, Bloomberg, and Evestment
Personal attributes that support your success
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity
• Attention to detail
• Intellectual curiosity and agility
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, problem solving, and project management skills
• Interest and drive to mentor and develop both subordinates and peers
• Demonstrated leadership capacity – ability to develop and socialize new strategies and investment theses, and then execute against them successfully
• Strong capacity to collaborate with diverse teams in multiple geographic locations, as well as with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and multi-task
• Strong communication skills—able to articulate ideas, communicate tactfully, and give and receive feedback
• Adaptability to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities
Hiring Process
After an initial screening interview with a member of our HR team, qualified candidates will be invited to a subsequent interview(s) with team leadership, and then advance (on a rolling basis until the position is filled) to complete a take-home case study designed to assess the degree to which they meet the basic qualifications for the role. Finalists will present their case study analysis to the hiring investment team.
About Walton Enterprises
Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton’s family.
Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
• This is a dual role on a large and growing investment team. While a background in both manager research and portfolio management is preferred, we will consider candidates with strong manager due diligence skills with the capability and interest to “grow into” the portfolio management role under the guidance of colleagues.
• Eight or more years of relevant manager research experience, preferably at a family office, investment fund or investment bank, ideally including several years of leading investments, due diligence processes and supervising junior analysts.
• Strong knowledge of the ESG equity and bond manager landscape
• Comfortable negotiating investment management agreements with managers
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Experience with analytics software such as FactSet, Bloomberg, and Evestment
