CalSTRS – Associate Portfolio Manager – Collaborative Strategies
Position Summary
The CalSTRS Investments Branch is seeking an experienced individual to work as an Associate Portfolio Manager on the Collaborative Strategies team. The Collaborative Strategies Portfolio provides flexibility for the CalSTRS investment team to pursue new and/or compelling strategies that align with the CalSTRS One Fund Approach. Specifically, it allows CalSTRS to capture opportunities beyond the frameworks or capacity of existing asset classes, as well as investments falling outside or across the asset classes, in both private and public markets.
About the Role
Under the general direction of the Senior Portfolio Manager (SPM) of Collaborative Strategies, the Associate Portfolio Manager is responsible for participating in the day-to-day management and implementation of complex investment strategies within the Collaborative Strategies requiring a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment. The incumbent serves as a key investment professional assisting with the strategic management, performance optimization, and risk oversight of the Collaborative Strategies – Innovation (CSI) Portfolio. The role encompasses comprehensive portfolio stewardship with specialized expertise in private market Investments, while providing critical support for the broader Collaborative Strategies division’s investment objectives.
Department Information
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California’s more than 1 million public school educators and their families. The Investments Branch manages a portfolio that is broadly diversified into seven asset categories with assets totaling approximately $389.5 billion as of November 30, 2025. In 2025, the CalSTRS Investments Branch was named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by the Pensions & Investments magazine for the eleventh time since 2013. CalSTRS is committed to setting best practice precedents, implementing innovative diversity and inclusion principles, motivating positive change, and advancing the worlds investment markets. We do this by establishing collaborative relationships across a vast network of investment managers, portfolio companies and industry associations in order to maximize returns and leverage opportunities for positive change.
Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets. In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.
Qualifications
Experience in private market investments, strong analytical skills, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex investment strategies are required. A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.