Director, Research and Portfolio Strategy

Location and Work Arrangement

The position is based at our headquarters in State College, PA 16801. Relocation assistance is not provided, and remote work is not available for this role.

What We Are Looking For

We seek a candidate who is passionate about investing and focused on managing money for clients rather than relying solely on computer models. This role will join our investment committee, so prior experience in investment allocation decision making is essential, ideally within an RIA setting. Candidates should be able to point to examples of over weighting and under weighting asset classes such as growth versus value, large versus small cap, international versus domestic equity, and equity versus fixed income. Investment ideas are generated both independently and in collaboration with the team, and all members are encouraged to challenge and defend investment theses.

What You Are Looking For

As a dedicated analyst with a strong aptitude for asset allocation decisions, you seek a larger voice in portfolio management and the ability to influence a range of investment strategies. You want to be in the room where portfolio construction decisions are made and enjoy being part of a small, focused team helping individual clients achieve their financial futures.

Position Summary

The Director, Research and Portfolio Strategy will lead the investment research initiatives of our Investment Strategy team and report to the CEO. This team collaborates with the Chief Market Strategist to conduct thorough due diligence on mutual funds, ETFs, Private Alts, SMAs, and other investment vehicles used across client accounts, and to generate detailed fundamental research that informs asset allocation recommendations across our diverse set of strategies. As a member of the Investment Committee, this individual should possess a passion for investing and markets with a strong interest in investment research, portfolio allocation and construction, and manager due diligence. The ability to clearly communicate complex investment concepts to audiences at multiple levels of understanding is essential.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Allocation research for dynamic and strategic portfolio positioning, including asset classes, segments, and sectors
• Investment research and due diligence of mutual funds, ETFs, Private Alts, SMAs, etc.
• Writing of commentaries and presentations of investment theses
• Member of Investment Committee
• Manage a team of analysts
• Collaborate with upper management and other members of the Investment Strategy team to provide world class service to our advisors throughout the country
• Act as a liaison and product expert for our clients (financial advisors)
• Communicate investment ideas and concepts at different levels of sophistication
• Investment and operational projects as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Series 65 registration (or successful completion of Series 65 within 90 days of hire)
• 7+ years of experience in an investment analyst role
• Experience performing manager due diligence
• Exposure to multi-asset class allocation decision making
• Preferably within an RIA
• Must have a relevant industry designation (CFA, CMT, CIPM, FRM, etc.)
• Experience leading a team and developing analysts
• Ability to write commentaries and present investment themes in written format
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Organizational skills and track record of meeting deadlines
• Demonstrated ownership of tasks and projects
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• High degree of professionalism and work ethic
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Can do attitude and high energy

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience
• Experience working with financial advisors or RIAs
• Knowledge of some or all of the following is a plus: Bloomberg, Morningstar DAS, Morningstar Direct, Fidelity WealthScape, Schwab Advisor Center, FactSet, Black Diamond

About Vicus Capital

Vicus Capital is an independent investment management firm with over $3 billion in AUM headquartered in State College, PA. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we develop innovative investment strategies and advanced tools for financial advisors nationwide, delivering premier service to advisors and their clients. We pride ourselves on a family oriented work environment where employees are entrusted with ownership of their work and micro management is not practiced. We encourage evolving opportunities and ongoing advancement.

Benefits

• Salary/Compensation: $115,000 - $150,000 per year
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• 401k with safe harbor employer contributions