Executive Director, Pension Fund Management

Carleton University is a comprehensive university, located in the nation’s capital and serving over 32,000 students. It is supported by more than 2,340 faculty and staff, 835 contract instructors, 2,020 graduate teaching assistants, 108 library staff and over 165,000 alumni. Recently, Carleton was recognized as a top regional employer for the seventh year in a row, largely due to the importance that the university places on supporting staff and faculty. The University’s holistic approach recognizes the multiple dimensions of wellness (mental, physical, professional and social). The University is a recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence, Healthy Workplace Order of Excellence and Platinum Level Certification for Mental Health at Work.

The Executive Director, Pension Fund Management serves as Head of the University’s pension fund management and will oversee the administration and management of the $1.6 billion Retirement Plan investment portfolio and the $400 million Endowment Fund portfolio. The Executive Director will be critical in driving long-term pension investment performance and stakeholder value through good governance practices and portfolio management expertise. This is an exciting time to be joining the University as it is undergoing a review the Retirement Plan asset mix and is on a path to decarbonize the Pension and Endowment Funds. The Executive Director will play an important role in stakeholder management, governance, review of the asset mix, risk modelling and responsible investing. This is an exciting opportunity for an investment leader who has strong stakeholder management experience and wants to be a part of an organization where they can make an impact.

This is a leadership position, reporting to the Vice President, Finance & Administration. The Executive Director, Pension Fund Management is responsible for overseeing all activities relating to the investment management of the university’s Retirement Fund and Endowment Fund. The Executive Director will also Chair the Pension Committee and act as the principal resource for the Committee, providing advice, support and recommendations on all investment strategy and risk management matters. The Executive Director will lead a team of investment professionals who have responsibility for portfolio investments, tax, compliance, reporting and operational issues as well as supporting the responsible investment approach for all the University’s pools of capital.

As the ideal candidate, you have the experience and ability to foster, manage and lead successful, high-functioning teams. You have strong leadership and governance experience with a proven record of achievement. You have extensive investment and market expertise demonstrated by progressively more senior investment roles, preferably in a post-secondary or institutional investment environment. You have knowledge of pension plan design and actuarial principles, concepts and methods as they apply to hybrid or defined benefit plans. You have strong communication skills and the ability to present complex investment concepts to audiences of diverse investment knowledge and establish professional relationships, partnerships and the support of others to meet the investment objectives.

 

To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to mlewis@boyden.com prior to June 10, 2022 and state the title of the position in the subject line of your e-mail. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

Carleton University is an equal opportunities employer committed to accelerating equity, celebrating diversity, and fostering a culture of inclusion. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please advise us as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.