Associate Investment Counsel

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? Would you like to be part of a culture that promotes learning and collaboration while helping employees with what they need to succeed and thrive? If so, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is looking for talented people who will help us achieve our goal of honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Arizona’s public safety employees by providing outstanding service to those who protect and govern our state. At PSPRS we understand that it begins with outstanding talent. It all begins with you. Join our diverse and inclusive team where you’ll feel valued and inspired to contribute your unique skills and experience.

The mission of Public Safety Personnel Retirement System is to deliver unparalleled service in providing retirement benefits to Arizona’s community of police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, judicial and elected officials. PSPRS serves approximately 60,000 active and retired public employees and is nationally recognized for its administrative and pension management excellence. We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits to those eager to serve our membership and mission. Interested applicants can visit www.psprs.com to learn more about our agency.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Investment Fiduciary Counsel. Under the direction of the Chief Investment Counsel, the Associate Investment Counsel will be responsible for the legal aspects of the System's investment relationships, subject to the oversight of the Administrator, and will assist with monitoring and managing the legal work performed by external counsel with respect to Board approved investment relationships with firms, general partners, or other entities, utilizing structures or agreements that require specific outside expertise. This position includes interaction with all investment team members pertaining to investment transactions and related assignments.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Investment Legal:
  • Assist with the negotiation of legal documents, including limited partnership agreements, investment management agreements, subscription agreements, side letters and amendments thereto, related to the investment relationships which the CIO and/or Deputy CIO approve related to investment firms, general partners or other entities.
  • Attend investment selection meetings to meet with proposed investment firms or general partners and participate in investment staff discussions.
  • Assist and coordinate the performance of legal due diligence and background research as to prospective investment.
  • Prepare contracts, side letters, memoranda, policies, procedures, correspondence, non-disclosure agreements or other materials as may be needed with respect to investment activity at the direction of the Chief Investment Counsel and in consultation with external counsel; advise with respect to compliance with the investment related fiduciary duties of the BOT, Administrator, CIO and Deputy CIO.
• Advisement:
  • Assist in serving as investment legal advisor to BOT and subcommittees regarding legal aspects of investment relationships.
  • Review and coordinate Investment Committee agendas and related materials, including closed transaction reporting.
  • Participate in meetings of BOT and Investment Committee regarding investment related matters.
  • Review investment related public record requests and coordinate response.
  • Monitor securities class action opportunities and participation by the System.
  • Review and process most favored nation requests, proposed amendments and proxy solicitations in relation to existing investments.
• Outside Entities:
  • Represent the System in investment related meetings and negotiations with attorneys and external parties and attend industry related meetings.
  • Monitor billings for legal services performed by external law firms to ensure charges are consistent with the fee provisions of their contractual relationships with the System.
  • Provide assistance, support and oversight to external law firms utilized in the negotiation and development of contracts and other documents related to system approved investments with firms, general partners, and other entities utilizing structures or agreements that require specific outside expertise.
• Supervise investment paralegal staff.
  

Knowledge of:

• Investment transaction documentation creation, review, negotiation and execution.
• Federal and State statutory requirements as it relates to investment activities.
• Legal principles, practices and procedures associated with investment activities, including Federal and international anti-money laundering and tax laws.

Skill in:

• Legal drafting, review and negotiation of investment related documentation.
• Interpret complex rules and regulations.
• Effective communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Applicable computer software programs such as Office 365 and NetDocs.
• Problem solving.
• Participating in teams and/or work groups.
• Discretion, sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision, and able to prioritize and adapt to evolving situations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Analyze laws, regulations and policies to ensure actions are in compliance.
• Develop and implement strategic planning initiatives.
  

• J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited law school, and admittance to Arizona Bar.
• 3 or more years of practice experience with law firm, public or private pension, endowment, family office, investment advisor, or other financial/asset management related organization.
  

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation to include credit and criminal history.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

At PSPRS, we promote the importance of work/life balance by offering workplace flexibility, a learning environment and a team-oriented culture. Among the many benefits of a career with PSPRS, are 10 paid holidays per year, accrual of sick and annual leave, affordable medical benefits, participation in the Arizona State Retirement Plan (after 6 months of employment), optional participation in a 457 deferred compensation program, and employer matching on employee deferrals in the 457 plan (limited to a matching of 6% of salary on a per pay period basis).

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note that enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Andrew Goodwin at agoodwin@psprs.com or 602-296-3738.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.