Company Description
RVK is an independently owned, national firm with a headquarters in Portland, OR and regional offices in Boise, ID, Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. We provide unbiased investment consulting services to nearly 200 clients, including corporations, public retirement systems, Taft-Hartley funds, nonprofit organizations, operating reserve funds, high-net-worth individuals and families, and other special purpose funds. The heart of RVK is our team-centered approach to client service, provided by our experienced team of investment consulting professionals.
Job Summary
The Associate Consultant works closely with the consulting team to provide research, portfolio analysis, and investment advice to our clients. This position requires a unique combination of communication and interpersonal skills, project management skills, increased direct client interaction and proven qualitative and quantitative abilities. Associate Consultant responsibilities include the daily administration and management of a number of client relationships, working alongside the Lead Consultant on each client relationship and coordinating between other departments and teams as needed. Associate Consultants frequently interact with and have an opportunity to learn from many different RVK investment professionals, clients, and other participants in the global investment industry. Candidates would be expected to be connected with employees at RVK across a variety of office locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Consultant will be actively involved in all aspects of client service and help plan and execute client deliverables. The duties are multi-faceted and require the ability to communicate effectively, both internally and externally. The Associate Consultant must successfully manage time, identify tasks, determine priorities, and complete deliverables, while absorbing educational opportunities available in the natural course of the job to grow as an investment professional. Associate Consultants are often involved in:
- Complete a variety of special projects at the request of the senior consulting team.
- Typical projects include: asset allocation studies, domestic/international equity and fixed income investment manager structure analyses, investment policy revisions, portfolio rebalancing, letters of instruction, OCIO provider searches and supporting analytics, etc.
- Provide day-to-day client service in support of the Consulting teams working with each client
- Possess advanced knowledge of recommended investment management firms, products, and strategies
- Continuing to increase knowledge of recommended investment management firms, products, and strategies
- Interfacing with other colleagues, including Investment Analysts, Consultants, Associate Consultants, and Investment Manager Research in preparing materials for our consulting clients
- Execute client deliverables to high standards of quality and accuracy
- Write, edit, and proofread client communications and training materials for clients with regard to various investment topics
- Assist senior consulting team with defining key messages and use creativity in presenting ideas, recommendations and information to clients
- Provide training to Associates on elements of investment process and procedures, as needed Review client monthly and quarterly performance deliverables
- Attend meetings and present special projects and/or performance reports to clients at the request and approval of the senior consultant
- Participate in internal research projects and special client assignments as needed Prepare ad-hoc market environment and investment research
- Play an active role in business development efforts including drafting and editing RFP responses as well as finalist presentations
- Reviewing and approving performance measurement client deliverables Meet with investment managers, perform investment due diligence, and communicate this information back to the firm and clients
Minimum Qualifications
- Genuine desire to grow as an investment professional.
- Proven project management and organizational skills – ability to handle multiple priorities, and work well under pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with careful attention to detail.
- Strong presentation and meeting facilitation skills – comfortable presenting in front of Board of Trustees and Investment Committees.
- Proven self-starter – able to work and think independently. Adaptability to change while striving to improve processes and efficiencies.
- Flexible and open to new ideas within an ever-changing, dynamic environment.
- Knowledge of software and business applications – proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point).
- Strong work ethic – able to work Monday – Friday with client deadlines that may require up to 50-60 hours/week, (including when necessary evening and weekend time).
- Able to travel as needed across the U.S.A.
Preferred Qualifications
- Well-versed in quantitative analytical techniques – ability to build quantitative models and interpret results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of investment consulting principles, investment strategies, policies and regulations applicable to the investment consulting industry.
- Knowledge of MPI Stylus, Morningstar, Bloomberg, and eVestment Alliance is a plus.
Required Education and Work Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of industry experience in investment consulting, management consulting, internal corporate consulting, asset management, banking, private equity or working with a plan sponsor directing, implementing and coordinating investment strategy.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or related discipline (e.g. statistics, mathematics, business or similar studies, particularly if allied with finance, economics or investment analysis).
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or progress towards designation and / or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics or Business Administration is encouraged.