Overview
Head of Sustainability Stewardship – Managing Director (State Street Global Advisors)
We have seen a maturing of certain of our clients’ positioning in relation to sustainability over the last couple of years. This has resulted in varying expectations from different clients in relation to the expectations of their asset managers’ stewardship offerings. While some clients do not prioritize sustainability outcomes in stewardship, others have expressed the view to us that driving sustainability outcomes is a priority for them and inquired if we could develop a solution for them. Based on feedback received from these clients and building on our commitment to investor choice, we are creating a new Sustainability Stewardship Service, to support those clients who wish for more active engagement with portfolio companies on sustainability topics. This new service will be available for institutional clients to opt in globally and will include a greater focus on climate and other sustainability related topics. The individual in this role will lead a team which will be responsible for: (1) developing and implementing the client proxy voting policy that will be aligned with the new Sustainability Stewardship Service, (2) conducting company engagements that reflect participating client views, and (3) representing the perspectives of this effort in broader sustainability research and product offerings.
This role is based in London and will report to the Global Head of Asset Stewardship.
Responsibilities
In this role you will:
- Crystalize the views of participating clients to establish sustainability priorities and emerging sustainability topics
- Lead the development and implementation of a client proxy voting policy that will be aligned with the new Sustainability Stewardship Service
- Conduct company engagements that reflect participating client views on sustainability priority topics and represent the opt-in assets
- Represent the perspectives of this effort in broader sustainability research and product offerings
- Integrate broader sustainability research and insights into policy development and industry efforts
- Engage with and provide reporting to participating clients to ensure transparency on the activities of the service
- Represent participating clients’ views in relevant industry groups, publications, and other forums
- Develop and manage a team to ensure the success of the service
Job Requirements
- 15+ years of experience in asset stewardship, including company engagement
- Strong understanding of sustainability related topics, including regulatory and industry initiatives and understanding of the rapidly evolving regulatory environment and client demand
- Proven ability to effectively navigate an increasingly complex environment
- Proven ability to build a high-performing team to achieve desired results. The candidate should have a track record of effectively managing individuals, developing talent, and leading initiatives from start to finish.
- Exceptionally strong written and verbal communications skills with an engaging personality
- Ability to present information in an organized and clear fashion
- Strong understanding of clients and client-facing activities
- Strong interpersonal skills with comfort working independently and within a team setting
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment, demonstrating initiative and the ability to prioritize workloads
- Ability to assert ideas and influence others to gain support and commitment
- Demonstrated success in building out and influencing a network of partners and resources
- Highly effective relationship-building and collaborative working style with an ability to balance various stakeholders
- Experience driving results within a highly matrixed organization
- Candidates must be detail oriented
- Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. business, economics or finance) and/or CFA designation (or willingness to pursue these designations) would be beneficial
About State Street
What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.
Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.
Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.
State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
